Leeds prop Barrie McDermott is relishing another battle with the Bulls but says any animosity on the field will not be carried off it.

The Headingley powerhouse is determined to help the Rhinos into second spot with victory tonight but admits a healthy respect for the opposition.

"Fans tend to forget that a lot of the players have played alongside each other at club or international level and mix a fair bit socially," he says. "That will all be put to one side on the night but there is enormous respect between the sides."

McDermott has been in storming form this term and his clash with his Bulls counterparts promises to be one of the highlights with Great Britain tour spots on the line.

"I would like to think I have a good chance of playing in the Tri-Series Down Under but I have a lot of admiration for the Bulls forwards.

"Paul Anderson has come back superbly after a bad knee injury, Stuart Fielden is a top prospect and as well as having a good name Brian McDermott is very well respected in the game."

The Rhinos have the upper hand so far this term but the Leeds giant has bitter memories of the previous league clash at Odsal when the Bulls gained swift revenge for their Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of their fiercest rivals.

"The score at the end might only have been 18-14 but make no mistake we had our backsides kicked that night. We certainly feel we owe Bradford one after that and the intensity has stepped up even more because we now have a chance of pipping St Helens for second spot and earning a home tie in the first play-off match.

"We played Wigan twice in the play-offs last season and we could well meet Bradford twice this year. We all know how important it might be to put one over on them tonight."

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