Family loyalties are tested to the limit when Rikki Sheriffe makes his Bulls debut tomorrow night.

It is a big evening for the Bradford-born new signing, who pulls on the cherished shirt for the first time at Dewsbury Rams.

The occasion is doubly special because brother Jode – a Reserve Grader at Odsal – is also in the Bulls squad for their opening pre-season friendly.

As a result, there should be only one destination for the Sheriffe family clan but Rikki explained: “My mum and dad can’t decide where to go.

“It’s going to be great playing with Jode for my home town, the club I supported as a boy, but my youngest brother Jess-Jo is also making his debut for Hunslet Hawks on Friday. They might have to go there.

“He’s only 19 and has only been playing the game for a year. He used to play football for Bradford City and Huddersfield Town’s youth set-ups but the opportunities never came along.

“He’s switched to rugby league and, with a bit of help from me and my brother – and all the enthusiasm he has – he’s got a shot at Hunslet on the wing.

“He’s taking it with both hands and, who knows, maybe in a couple of years we’ll see him at the Bulls too.”

For all the support he is offering his sibling, Sheriffe knows he must look after number one tomorrow following his own winter switch from Harlequins.

Competition for wing spots is hot at Bradford and he realises he has to quickly impress boss Steve McNamara.

There are only two warm-up games before Super League starts and Sheriffe said: “That makes this match vital. We all want to do everything right and get everything sorted quickly.

“We know there’s just Dewsbury and then the match at Whitehaven before we go to Harlequins for our opener.

“Obviously, going back to London and getting a starting spot there is a massive incentive for me to do well and I have to perform against Dewsbury.

“This fixture can’t come any sooner now. We started pre-season back on November 5 and it feels weird after training for so long with no game. We’re all just itching to get back into an actual match now.”

The bleak surroundings of Dewsbury’s Tetley’s Stadium might come as a shock to Aussie superstar Steve Menzies – who also debuts – and some of the Bulls’ other big-hitters.

But 24-year-old Sheriffe is well prepared, having operated with Doncaster and Halifax earlier in his career.

He said: “I’ve been there, done that. I know what to expect from places like Dewsbury.

“I can’t remember the number of times I’ve played there as I’ve been in those lower leagues and know where my roots are.

“A couple of our lads might not know what to expect but I know what’s in store and that could work out better for me.”

Sheriffe added: “It’s been a while since me and Jode played together. We had a couple of games at Halifax a few years back so this has been a long time coming.

“He’s looking forward to it just as much as me. He wants to impress, hopefully work his way up at Bradford, and sees this as a big opportunity – as do all the younger lads who are getting a shot. It’s an exciting time for everyone.”