Steve McNamara would love to see Hull Sharks make a big Super League impact but he hopes they're not making the headlines early next week.

The Bulls goalkicking loose forward makes his first return to the Boulevard tomorrow since his £130,000 move from his hometown club two years ago determined to silence the hostile home support.

Included in the near capacity crowd will be players from the Skirlaugh amateur club where he began his career and still helps out with coaching.

"I still live in the city and have a lot of good mates there. Everyone's talking about the match and it's one I have hoped would come about," he said.

"I had little choice but to leave Hull. It wasn't that the club club had no ambition, more that there wasn't the finance in place to do anything about it.

"To achieve my professional goals, such as going to Wembley, winning a championship medal and playing for Great Britain, it was obvious something had to happen quick. The move to Bradford was perfect."

McNamara does not rule out a return to play on Humberside eventually but stresses: "I am totally committed to the Bulls. I can't focus past that right now."

Bulls colleague Tevita Vaikona is also preparing himself for an emotional return to the ground where he became such a big favourite with his try scoring feats.

They were incensed when Hull decided to cash him in with a close season sale to the Bulls but McNamara says: "Tevita was upset at first because he didn't want to leave and didn't know why he was being sold.

"Now both of us are itching to get back and show them what we can do again."

And the clash is given added spice by the appearance of former Odsal duo Glen Tomlinson and Andy Ireland in the Sharks' ranks.

Tomlinson, who was shown the door in favour of Shaun Edwards, said: "Everyone has been going on about my departure.

"But it was Bradford's decision and you don't stay at a club for ever.

"I was disappointed but I have great respect for them. They have a lot of quality players and if we are not 110 per cent committed they will beat us easily.

"Shaun Edwards is a fine player but I hope to be on top form. He has weaknesses and we will look to exploit them."

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