Centre Matt Calland has special reason for wanting to do well when Bradford Bulls launch their bid for a third successive Wembley appearance at First Division Rochdale on Sunday.

The 27-year-old still lives in the Lancashire town where he started his career, and was delighted when the Odsal outfit were paired with the Hornets in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup fourth round.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I've been back to watch a few games, but I've never played there against Hornets."

Calland scored 30 tries in 59 appearances for them before moving to Featherstone in 1993, and on to the Bulls two years later.

He made a big early impression under former coach Brian Smith after shaking off a bad boy image, and even gained selection for England in 1996.

But he was troubled by a back problem for much of last season and never really captured his best form, but is keen to re-impose himself this term.

With skipper Graeme Bradley likely to spend more time in the pack, the way is open for Calland to make a centre spot his own alongside the highly consistent Danny Peacock.

"It's not going to be easy gaining selection with so many good players at the club and such a big squad. But I've had a good off-season, and hopefully I'll be on the teamsheet at Spotland.

"I don't think complacency will be a problem for us. Matthew Elliott isn't that type of coach. He'll make sure we're completely focused on the job.

"I expect it to be a tough game. I know quite a few of the players, like their hooker Richard Pachniuk. I'm also big mates with their prop Leo Casey from our time together at Featherstone."

The Bulls are set to be without Great Britain prop Brian McDermott, who suffered a hairline fracture of a rib in Sunday's friendly with Batley. Paul Medley may deputise.

Second-rower Bernard Dwyer could still be added to the squad if he gets the all-clear from a specialist, following close-season groin surgery.

New Leeds captain Iestyn Harris will lead from the back as the Rhinos take on big derby rivals Castleford in Saturday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie at Headingley.

Harris, at 21 the youngest captain in Super League, fell out with his former club Warrington after being chosen at full-back in preference to stand-off.

However, when Leeds coach Graham Murray showed his hand, former New Zealand Test star Tony Kemp was named as stand-off against his old club, with Harris chosen at full-back.

"I know Iestyn would like to play at six but we've agreed that the best position for him in a balanced team is full-back," said Murray.

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