TOM Olbison is looking forward to crossing swords with a few familiar faces when the Bulls open their campaign at Hull KR.

Rohan Smith's men face arguably the toughest test of their credentials when they take on Tim Sheens' men at Craven Park on February 5.

A number of ex-Bradford players could line up for Rovers as Danny Addy and Mitch Clark have joined James Donaldson and Ryan Shaw in East Hull, while Nick Scruton has arrived from Wakefield.

Olbison came through the youth ranks at Odsal alongside Addy and grew close to him during their rise to prominence as first-team regulars.

"Danny was home-grown and it was like when Langers (Jamie Langley) left, other players come in and you move on," said Olbison.

"I'd probably say Danny was my best mate because we literally started at the same time and came through scholarships before training and playing first-team together.

"We spent ten years together at Bradford and travelled to training together every day. We played amateur against each other before that as well, so he was a big part of the Bulls.

"Playing against your pals is just one of those things and happens all the time in our game."

The Bulls entered administration for the third time in five years last week and were subsequently booted out of the Rugby Football League and warned they could be relegated.

The search for new owners continues and Olbison is staying positive with the Hull KR opener little more than two months away.

"It'll be a great test and hopefully we will go there and come away with the points," said the Odsal forward.

"If everyone prepares right and gets stuck in, I'm sure there is no reason why we can't get off to a winning start."