GARY FAWCETT believes Geoff Toovey's first game in charge of Bradford Bulls at Keighley Cougars will be 'too close to call'.

Keighley are relishing the visit of their neighbours for the Joe Phillips Memorial Trophy friendly on Sunday (2pm), with Cougars chairman Fawcett pleased to see them back in action following their financial trouble.

And with new coach Toovey set to take the reins at Bulls following his arrival from Australia on Thursday, a bumper crowd is expected at Cougar Park.

In a statement, Fawcett said: "“We are excited to have the Bulls down at Cougar Park on Sunday. Given the difficulties the club has been through, it’s great to see the club pulling through and delivering action on the pitch.

“We would like to offer our congratulations to co-owners Andrew Chalmers and Graham Lowe, and we welcome Jas Athwal, the new club chairman, and his team after sorting things out so quickly following the problematic administration process.

"It’s never good to see a club struggling and we wish the Bulls the very best for the coming season.

"I think our head coach (Craig Lingard) has really got our squad going and, I think, this game is too close to call. I am sure Geoff Toovey and the new coaching team will have other ideas!”

Bulls co-owner Chalmers added in the statement: “The new-look Bulls team are excited as we accelerate the pace of our preparations for the beginning of the season.

"Make no mistake this game is an important step in that process and our first team is preparing accordingly.

"While Geoff Toovey will only arrive on Thursday morning, he will hit the ground all guns blazing. Let’s bring it on!”

Both teams are expected to field strong line-ups, with the game just a week before the Bulls start their league season at Hull KR.

Bradford delivered a strong performance in their first run-out at Huddersfield, only losing 28-10, while Cougars have produced two emphatic friendly victories before giving an encouraging display in defeat at last season's Championship top-four finishers Batley.

It will be the 13th Joe Phillips Memorial Trophy match – held in honour of the former Bradford Northern and Keighley player – with Cougars the current holders following a 28-12 victory in 2012.

Admission is pay on the gate, with prices £10 adults (additional £2 for transfer to the Danny Jones Stand), £5 concessions and £1 juniors.