JOE Keyes is looking forward to linking up again with Leon Pryce tomorrow.

The 21-year-old scrum half is set to partner the experienced Great Britain international at half-back as the Bulls host Featherstone Rovers in the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

"We haven't really had a regular half-back pairing this season," said Keyes, who is an international himself having made five appearances for Ireland.

"But I enjoy playing with Leon. He brings loads of experience, talks a lot on the pitch and expects a lot of you also, which is good, and I am a more confident player this season."

Keyes has only played in two of the Bulls' six Kingstone Press Championship matches so far but began with Pryce at half-back in the victory at Swinton Lions as well as facing London Broncos, when Lee Smith was at stand-off.

Victory tomorrow would, of course, gives the Bulls a chance of facing Super League opposition in the next round but Keyes warned: "Featherstone are a good side and have started the season really well.

"They have a big pack and good half-backs – but our build-up has been no different because it is a cup game and we are looking forward to it."

The Bulls, who finished fifth to Rovers' fourth last season, met them twice in the 2016 Championship campaign, beating them 22-12 at Odsal 13 months ago in their opening league match but losing 20-0 at Post Office Road in July in their final game of the regular season.

Bulls interim head coach Leigh Beattie said: "It is not a matter of us seeking revenge for that defeat as half of our players who featured in that game are not here any more.

"But the cup is a welcome distraction from the league and the stress of trying to claw those 12 points back."

Rovers coach Jon Sharp is looking forward to what he reckons will be a tough tie and said: "I would not be surprised if the Bulls avoid relegation from the Championship.

"They have a good coach, a good culture and some good players and have the capability of going on a long winning sequence. They had a good win last weekend over Batley, who are no pushovers.

"The thing about this season is that, although Hull KR are the stand-out team like Leigh were last season, Rochdale, Swinton and Oldham have all stepped their games up."