BRIAN Smith looks back at his short stint in charge of Bradford as the most "magical and exhilarating" period of his life.

The 61-year-old led the Bulls to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in 1996, losing 40-32 to St Helens.

Almost 20 years on, the veteran Australian is plotting the downfall of his former club tomorrow as coach of Wakefield.

"It was a magical period, the first season of Super League, and the most exhilarating 13 months of my life," said Smith.

"Professionally, it was just something else. I met some unbelievable guys and Jimmy Lowes is probably near the top of that list.

"I know Karl Harrison too but that was from my Hull days, which is even further back.

"I don't really know anybody else from that crew who are there now because the make-up of the club is completely different. But I feel strongly about what everyone achieved at the Bulls in those days.

"I still think it's a model for every other sporting organisation to show what can happen when everyone is pulling in the same direction all at once.

"They were committed, hard-working people and it was just an awesome time. After I left, the whole 'Bullmania' concept kept rolling."

Smith took charge of the Wildcats at the beginning of June and has been readying them for the Super 8s ever since.

They lost their opening match to Salford last week and the pressure is on to deliver a victory at home to the Bulls.

Smith is hoping both Wakefield and Bradford will be in the top flight next year and said: "I'd love to see the Bulls back in Super League.

"I'm sure there are lots of people from other clubs who want that too – but there are plenty of people who want the Wildcats in there also.

"Wants and achievements are two different things and we are two dogs fighting over the one bone this weekend."

Smith saw some encouraging signs in defeat to Salford and has named an unchanged squad for this weekend.

"There was a chunk of that game in the middle where we pretty much dominated Salford," said Smith.

"That's what we're capable of and getting that from the start of the game this week and every other week is obviously our goal – and it's vital for Saturday.

"But it's not a cup final and a win or a loss will just be another chapter in a fairly short book with seven chapters, maybe eight."