The £120,000 the Bulls paid out to Widnes in 1996 for the services of Stuart Spruce still stands as one of the best day's work in the club's recent history.

Sixty-six tries later he's still going strong and keen to extend his stay beyond the end of the season when his current deal runs out.

He's started the season in fine form with a try in each of the Bulls five games so far and admits he's relishing the chance to keep the club at the top of the Super League tree.

"I'm just enjoying my rugby at the moment and playing for a new contract," says the 30-year-old. "My contract is up at the end of the year and I'll be happy with a year's extension.

"If not I'll go somewhere else but it would be great to finish off my career at the Bulls.

"I've had some brilliant years here and it's the best decision I ever made. I still like to think I have a lot to offer and can get better. Everyone enjoys scoring and no one more than me and hopefully I can keep it going.

"I have made a conscious effort to get involved more on attack and at the moment it's paying off."

Huddersfield present the latest obstacle at the McAlpine tomorrow and Spruce is not expecting an easy ride.

"Looking at the games they have played so far this season they have obviously improved," he says. "They looked a far more organised side and it will be a tough game particularly at the McAlpine but it could be an advantage to us to be playing there a week before the semi-final.

"People get the wrong impression sometimes. Super League games are usually very physical even if you might go on to win them by 40 points like we did last week.

"But we want a tough game to be honest. We don't want a walkover before a semi-final and I don't think it will be one despite what our fans might be thinking."

The game sees the Bulls up against their popular former colleague Steve McNamara who made the switch from Wakefield Trinity in the close season.

"Steve must be sick of playing against us but it's just part of the game," says Spruce. "We will treat him with the utmost respect because he is a quality player and we need to keep an eye on him.

"Having said that they have a few dangerous players and our defence will have to continue where it left off against Salford.

"We pride ourselves on our goal-line defence. We set ourselves a defensive goal in every match and we don't like people crossing our line.

"Things are going pretty well right now but we have to keep our focus. I know it's an old clich but we need to take one game at a time.

"We are certainly on the right lines and if we keep improving we must have a chance of some silverware."