JAY Pitts has paid tribute to Leeds stalwart Carl Ablett ahead of his testimonial on Sunday and declared: Nobody deserves it more.

Bulls star Pitts should cross swords with his former Rhinos team-mate in the opening pre-season friendly for Jimmy Lowes’ side.

Pitts, who was a season-ticket holder at Headingley as a youngster, joined Leeds from Wakefield in 2009 before leaving for Hull FC in March 2012.

He played alongside Leeds-born Ablett, who made his debut for the Rhinos in 2004 and has proved a key figure in the club’s golden era during the past decade.

“Carl is a really good player and a great bloke, so I’m delighted he has been given a testimonial,” said Pitts.

“He’s a prime example of the mantra that if you work hard in life you get your just deserts.

“I’m happy for him because he’s a player who perhaps goes under the radar at times, but there is no doubting his ability.

“When I was at Leeds he was a very good player and he still is.

“He’s obviously played for England and rightly so because he works hard and he should get the recognition.”

The Bulls could give trialists Rhys Jacks and Dan Caprice a run-out on Sunday and will name their squad today.

Pitts added: “It’s always a massive game against Leeds.

“We’ve been training for months and months and we’re all chomping at the bit to play.

“Training is alright but nothing beats match fitness.

“That’s what we need the most and I’m really looking forward to getting my boots on.”