STEVE Crossley is determined to avoid another 'Knight-mare' as the Bulls head into their opening League One battle tomorrow.

The red-hot title favourites put their reputation on the line for the first time in the season-opener at York.

Bruising forward Crossley knows better than most about the danger that awaits them at Bootham Crescent.

He was a member of the all-conquering Toronto Wolfpack team that bossed the third tier last season.

They suffered only one defeat on the way to promotion – a 26-16 upset against the Knights.

"It's everybody's Grand Final against us – just as it was for Toronto last year," said Crossley.

"They want to be the first team to knock you off the perch and get one over on you.

"We start against York, who were the only team to beat Toronto.

"It's going to be a good mental battle, even more than physical, and we've got to make sure we are switched on."

The Bulls are promotion certs with the bookies and the expectation level will be huge for John Kear's men all season.

Crossley will not be distracted by the odds-makers but knows all about the pressure that comes with being the team that everyone wants to beat.

"We're not bothered about what the bookies are saying or anything like that – but obviously we'll have that bullseye target on our back," he said.

"We're not going into the season cocky and arrogant, telling people we're going to get promoted and do this and that.

"We'll go about our jobs professionally and look at it game by game. We'll do it the right way and be focused on the goal ahead but we'll take it one step at a time.

"In my opinion, there was no better appointment for the job than John Kear.

"He came in in December and got the respect of all the players straight away, just because of who he is. He's a great coach and everyone wants to play for him and do well."

With over 1,500 travelling supporters making the trip, prop Liam Kirk is determined the Bulls will not let them down.

Kirk, an ever-present in the Championship last season, said: "It will be a big occasion and we've got to play well to give something back to the fans.

"It's going to be a test for us because York know this league inside out. We need to respect teams.

"We can't go into games thinking we are going to walk it because it's going to be a big chance for every team playing Bradford. We have to turn up every week with our heads on."

Kirk got a knock in the pre-season clash with Toronto but is confident his body will be up for the challenge as he looks to maintain his run of games from 2017.

He said: "I want to play in every game again. Last year was a big learning curve for me. I'm still developing and still only young but that league turned me from a boy into a man."