Adam Sidlow believes today’s clash with Castleford could be a war of attrition between the respective packs – but that suits the Bulls prop just fine.

The Provident Stadium pitch was covered in snow earlier this week and, although that has since melted, the surface could still resemble a mudbath.

Sidlow, who has impressed following his close-season arrival from Salford, said: “That could play into our hands a little bit.

“It means we’ll just have to keep the game really simple by moving the ball around the pitch and letting our backs take over.”

After an arduous pre-season which saw Francis Cummins’ men train six days a week, the fitness levels in the Bulls squad have looked strong.

Sidlow admits that training has been far tougher than at his previous club.

He said: “The hours are longer and the training is different, with a lot of weights, but the team is a lot fitter. Hopefully we will reap the benefits as the season progresses.”

Despite not setting any personal goals, Sidlow is happy to keep on improving his game and trying to force his way into the starting line-up.

Nick Scruton and Manase Manuokafoa have been Cummins’ starting front-rowers in the opening two rounds.

But Sidlow said: “You obviously try and improve each year and take each game at a time and if I’ve been successful at the end of the year, then that’s brilliant.”