NICK Scruton is in no doubts as to the seriousness of today's clash between Wakefield and the Bulls.

The Wildcats prop was Bradford's best player during the 2013 season, cleaning up at the end-of-season awards night.

But he moved to Belle Vue when the club went into administration again in January 2014, while the Bulls were relegated during a disastrous campaign last term.

Scruton made the switch to safeguard his family's future – but today's reunion with his former club could go a long way towards deciding who goes up or down.

"It's only been just over a year since I left and, with the Bulls then going down, I've not played against them dozens of times like I have with Leeds," said the 30-year-old former Rhinos man.

"That's just another game now but I think with Bradford it's going to be a bit special, especially with it being at home. I'm sure I'll get some stick but that's part and parcel of it.

"You always want to play well against your old club and I have got some good mates there. It gives it that bit of added spice and there is no better feeling than smashing your mates.

"I'll be looking to play my best game of the season – that's all I'll be thinking of doing.

"It would be lovely if Wakefield stay up and Bradford come up with us. That would be ideal but all I'm thinking about is keeping Wakefield up."

Acknowledging the importance of the match, Scruton added: "It's not like a normal game. There is a lot of pressure and a lot riding on it because people's jobs and livelihoods are on the line.

"We can't go no wins from two, no way, because I think it would leave us with too much to do to get back into Super League.

"It's a must-win game and everyone is looking at it as a must-win game. But you can't let that get to you, otherwise it affects your performance."

Wakefield made a sluggish start at Salford last weekend and fell 16-0 behind, only to lead 26-22 with ten minutes remaining. But late tries from Rangi Chase and Cory Paterson condemned Brian Smith's men to a 34-26 defeat.

Scruton, Wakefield's captain in the absence of the injured Danny Kirmond, said: "To get ourselves in front and then give it away at the end was pretty disappointing.

"But at the end of the day, they played better than us and deserved the win. Some of the tries that we conceded weren't good enough.

"We've looked at that in video this week and we've had a brilliant few days' training, so I think we're ready for a big performance this weekend. I know we've been saying that for a while but this really is the time to do it.

"We need to come up with an 80-minute performance and I'm positive that will get us a win. We've got enough skill and personnel out there to do the job – we just need to do it."