STEVE Ferres believes a huge travelling army of Bulls supporters can inspire Rohan Smith's men to a precious victory at Featherstone on Sunday.

The winner-takes-all encounter has been labelled the '£500,000 Game' because of the financial value in finishing inside the top four and making the Qualifiers.

Bradford are easily the best-supported club outside of Super League and have consistently taken huge followings on the road since their relegation to the Championship.

Managing director Ferres reckons the vociferous vocal backing from the away end – the Bulls have already sold over 1,200 tickets – can help Smith's side to book their place in the end-of-season lottery.

Former Bradford Northern player Ferres said: "Occasions like this weekend are why you play the game.

"This is not your average game – it's a special game and will be treated as such.

"Ticket sales from our end are constant at the moment and I would estimate there could be up to 3,000 Bradford supporters at Post Office Road on Sunday.

"You look at the incredible support we had at the Summer Bash and when we played Leigh at their place again recently.

"What I would say to the fans is that if we fall behind at any point on Sunday, that's when we need them more than ever because they are absolutely wonderful supporters.

"This is our biggest game of the season and I'm sure every player will look forward to performing to the best of their ability and getting the club where we need to be.

"We've still got quite a few injuries but all the recent additions we have made to the squad have contributed and Rohan is now finding his best combinations.

"I still think the best rugby is yet to come from the likes of Kieren Moss and Dane Chisholm."

Victory over Jon Sharp's side would set up battles against Super League opposition in Leeds, Huddersfield, Salford and Hull KR.

Defeat is unthinkable for the Bulls in a crunch clash that will be refereed by leading Super League official Ben Thaler.

Ferres said: "It's an old adage but Rohan and the players will not be looking any further than the 80 minutes on Sunday, then the two 40 minutes and individual sets of six, attacking and defending.

"That's the message they will carry through and hopefully they can play to the plan and the fans can inspire the team to victory."

Featherstone, who have won at Batley and Halifax in the past two games, boast one of the biggest packs in the Championship.

Ferres expects the Bulls to fight fire with fire up front and allow the likes of Chisholm to orchestrate his side's attacks.

"Any good display comes from a strong go-forward – but that comes not just from the pack but the back three as well," said Ferres.

"Rohan will have a plan in place and providing the players carry it out, then I'm pretty sure they will be confident of getting the job done. We can't ask for any more than that."

Players have spoken of the Tong training ground being a happier and more relaxed environment since Smith was appointed after Jimmy Lowes quit as head coach.

"Rohan is definitely a Smith," said Ferres, in reference to his famous father Brian and uncle Tony, the Warrington head coach.

"He's very positive, structured and enthusiastic in everything he does. I'm hoping that is now rubbing off not only on the players but also on the staff around him."

Ferres, meanwhile, all but confirmed there would be no new arrivals to the squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

He said: "Unless something exceptional happens, there will be no new faces for this year. But our current team has plenty of ability and there is a lot of work being done to sign players for next year."