Intense local pride and Great Britain tour spots go on the line as the Bulls and Rhinos lock horns at a packed Odsal tonight.

The two deadly rivals have already had three titanic struggles this season, with the Rhinos 2-1 ahead in the series, but the Bulls are anxious to strike an important psychological blow ahead of the play-offs.

The two points are sure to be frantically contested in front of what Odsal officials hope will be a new Super League record crowd in excess of 21,666, but the game is given added spice with national boss Andy Goodway checking on the form of several players ahead of the end-of-season Tri-Series Down Under.

Bulls' Jimmy Lowes, Paul Anderson, Stuart Fielden and Paul Deacon have all been named in Goodway's provisional train-on squad, but will be looking to book their places tonight.

Several Rhinos stars are also vying for seats on the plane as Leeds eye their chances of finishing second.

Bulls boss Matthew Elliott insists: "We're expecting a torrid encounter. Leeds are pushing hard for second spot and we're both looking to go into the play-off series in good form.

"To be Minor Premiers was a primary goal of ours at the beginning of the season, and we've achieved that but there's still work to be done.

"We committed ourselves way back in January to winning every home game and we've done that so far, so it's important we maintain that record."

Full back Stuart Spruce's remains a doubt, and with Michael Withers set to continue at full back it could spell a return in the centre for Nathan McAvoy after tonsillitis.

Rhinos boss Graham Murray, reflecting on Leeds' 28-22 win over reigning champions Wigan, said: "We certainly had a bit of a dip in form but got rid of a few cobwebs last week.

"We got back to what I've known from Leeds over the last two years."

Murray has the luxury of being able to recall forwards Adrian Morley and Anthony Farrell, who both missed the Wigan game through suspension.

"Morley and Farrell missed something fairly special and they know they've got to make up for it," he added. "I'm sure they will. Having to sit in the stands last week will have been great motivation for them."

BULLS fans are being urged to arrive early tonight to avoid congestion at the turnstiles with the club reporting "unprecedented demand for a league game".

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