THE Bulls will play Castleford for Andy Lynch's testimonial in a match Jimmy Lowes believes is a "perfect fit" for his team's pre-season preparations.

As Bradford gear up for their first campaign outside the top flight for more than 40 years, they will face Daryl Powell's men at Wheldon Road on Sunday, January 11 (kick-off 2.30pm).

The match will not only celebrate the career of former Odsal skipper Lynch, it will provide vital match practice ahead of the Bulls' Championship opener at Leigh on February 15.

Seven days after taking on Castleford, the Bulls host Huddersfield at Odsal – and they are expected to play another pre-season friendly, possibly against Leeds, before the serious business gets underway.

Lynch left Bradford after six seasons at the end of the 2011 campaign as the club's financial problems began to unfold.

He was sold to Hull for a six-figure sum but left the KC Stadium at the end of 2013 and moved back to Castleford, the club where he began his career.

Leeds-born Lynch, who played more than 200 games for the Bulls – including the 2006 World Club Challenge win over Wests Tigers – said: "Cas Tigers and Bradford Bulls have played such a massive part in my career and I have had some amazing times playing for both teams.

"Both clubs have such awesome fans and they really are up there with the best. I've been really lucky to play for these two great clubs.

"Last year was massive for me and I'm really enjoying my rugby and can't wait to get back out on the field, in this which will be the first game back at the Jungle following our off-season break.

"I'm sure it will be an amazing game and I'd like to thank Cas Tigers for helping to secure this match for my testimonial."

Bulls boss Lowes explained: "Castleford became available to play and we wanted to face top-class opposition.

"In addition, Andy Lynch has been a fantastic to servant to Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers and rugby league as a whole. It was a perfect fit for us.

"I am sure our supporters are already looking forward to seeing some on-field action and this is a great way for us to get off the mark.

"The contest provides a great opportunity for both us and Castleford to ready ourselves for the season ahead, while paying respect to Andy."

Jean-Philippe Baile was due to link up with the Bulls' squad for the first time yesterday to complete the 29-strong group.

Lowes has no plans to add to his squad and said yesterday: "I'm not looking at the moment because we're looking good and switched on with everything we're doing."