Revitalised Salford have more reason than most to want to put one over on the Bulls tomorrow.

They were thrashed 46-6 at Odsal last May which resulted in the sacking of coach Andy Gregory and Bulls then rubbed new boss John Harvey's nose in the dirt in August by rattling up 58-points in the return at the Willows.

It was one of the worst performances by an opposition side against the Bulls last term and it was no surprise when the Reds were named as the bookies' favourites for the wooden spoon this time..

But Harvey has slowly but surely increased the quality at his disposal and the early-season results have been much improved.

Strangely they still have to record their first win on home soil but must be wondering why that is the case.

They completely outclassed Warr-ington in the Challenge Cup quarter-final only to be pipped 22-20 by a late try from Alan Hunte.

Two home defeats followed, against Castleford (22-16) and Wigan (32-0), but they bounced back well with a 33-24 win at London last weekend - their second victory in the capital this season following a cup triumph in February.

Their new-look back line has been firing particualrly well with Aussie centres Kris Tassell and Jason Nichol settling in well and Martin Offiah and former Keighley Cougars flyer Nick Pinkney providing the pace on the flanks.

Full-back Gary Broadbent is a very capable operator but changes have been forced on Harvey at half-back with Graham Holroyd and Martin Crompton set to miss out through injury.

Skilful skipper Darren Brown will deputise again at stand-off while close-season signing from Warrington John Duffy is favoured to pip former Wigan and Hull scrum-half Craig Murdock, for the midfield general's role.

Up front there are a number of changes from last year too with Mike Wainwright (Warrington), Brad Hepi (Castleford) and James Smith (Australia) brought in to beef up a pack which has often lacked the intensity to mix it with the best. But size is still not their strong point and they are anxiously awaiting a fitness check on prop Neil Baynes (knee).

Harvey believes his side still have a lot of improvement in them despite last week's victory.

"We made a lot of mistakes. But the guys haven't been playing together for very long but it looks as though we are starting to gel."

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