Skipper Robbie Paul says Bradford Bulls showed plenty of steel in 2001 at what he calls 'the money-end of the season'.

The outcome was victory in the Tetley's Super League Grand Final, and the 26-year-old knows the same effort is being put in again this time.

He admitted before the leaders take on in-form Wigan Warriors at Valley Parade tonight: "A lot more players are putting in the extra time, and they are the things that fill in the gaps that help you to win competitions.

"We did it last year, and we have already started to go the extra mile."

Paul, who has been on the bench for the last two matches, warned, however, that it was also time for individuals to make their mark.

"A lot of people went on about the attitude of the players after the defeats against St Helens and Castleford last month, but this week has been very constructive, very positive.

"Collectively we have been a lot better, but it is time for us to be counted as individuals."

Wigan, along with the Bulls and St Helens, are still in the hunt for the Minor Premiership themselves, and the New Zealander added: "We want to play in Wigan's faces.

"That is the thing about facing Wigan, or any good team. If you get up in their faces you can shut them down, and that is the way we will have to play to be successful against them.

"We have to be going forward both offensively and defensively, and when we get our defence right teams struggle against us.

"Also we have a good offensive team - most of our players were brought here because of their offence and we will score tries - but defence is the bread-and-butter of rugby league."

Hopefully, it won't be the kiss of death, but Bradford haven't gone through the regular season unbeaten against Wigan since 1990-91.

Then they won 31-30 at Odsal and drew 18-18 at Central Park, but you have to go back to 1984-85 for the last time they have had a 100 per cent record against the cherry and whites in the league (Wigan 2, Northern 9; Northern 36, Wigan 6).

The Bulls are choosing from a full-strength squad as winger Tevita Vaikona (Achilles) and centre Scott Naylor (calf) have recovered from injuries.

But Wigan coach Stuart Raper is faced with a dilemma. He must decide whether to use Andy Farrell and Brian Carney, who are recovering from thigh and hamstring injuries

respectively.