JOHN Kear expects the Bulls to stand up and be counted in tomorrow's first test of their promotion credentials at York.

The title favourites take their first step into the third tier in front of a frenzied atmosphere at Bootham Crescent.

With over 1,500 Bulls fans making the journey, the season opener will be played in front of a record crowd for League One.

Having finished fourth last term, York will provide a stern examination for the team expected to bounce straight back out of the division.

The Knights have been making big noises about getting first crack at toppling the former world champions and Kear knows that will come with the territory this year.

The Bradford coach said: "You only have to read their comments in the local paper. We're not indestructible, according to Andy Ellis, and that's what they'll be thinking.

"I don't make a big point to the players about comments like that – but I may whisper in somebody's ear!

"We're very excited. We're taking to the field in anger.

"The pre-season has been very good. It's led to me thinking long and hard about the final 17.

"The heartening thing for me is that when we get one or two players with some minutes under their belt and a bit more conditioning, and get players returning like Dane Chisholm, we'll be even better.

"At the minute, all we're thinking about is that 80 minutes at York.

"They have come off a very good season and have got an element of stability with the coaching staff. They've recruited very well and will be bolstered by Hull Kingston Rovers dual-reg players.

"So yes, it's a challenge – but that's the idea of sport. You don't want it be a walk in the park.

"You've got to work hard to achieve and that's what we intend to do."

As the 8-15 title tip with bookies, the Bulls are strongly fancied to boss the division in the same way as Toronto Wolfpack last year.

Kear's men anticipate opponents will try and rough them up – and got a taste of that in the final friendly against Keighley Cougars.

The Odsal coach insisted: "It was just what we wanted. We were after a tough, physical game where we were challenged in every way and that's what we got.

"I believe the York game will be every bit as intense and I think we should relish that and get stuck in.

"People will be looking at this result very keenly. The betting thing is lovely for fans of the sport and anyone who likes a flutter.

"But with regards to the playing group, we're just looking at what we can do. We're just going to look at who we're going to play and how we can exploit the weaknesses."

Brandon Pickersgill has earned his chance on the back of an impressive pre-season and he is braced for the physical battles ahead.

The youngster said: "We know we've got a big red cross on our backs. Teams are going to try to dismantle us and get under our skin.

"I think we did well last Sunday to come out the other side. If we can match teams with the nitty gritty, then our skill will prevail in the end.

"We know it will be really tough tomorrow and York are going to be fired up – but we've had five pre-season games so we're itching to go."