THE Bulls are ready to roll up their sleeves in a bid to earn a Challenge Cup crack at the Super League big boys.

John Kear’s side head to Hunslet in the fourth round on Sunday – with the prospect of potentially landing one of the big boys in Tuesday’s draw.

But with another blast of wintry weather affecting conditions, Kear anticipates a real slog at the South Leeds Stadium.

He said: “It’s going to be a very heavy ground. I watched their game against North Wales Crusaders and the ground was claggy.

“It alters a little how you play the game and that may well be reflected in the team selection.

“I think it’s going to a very tough game and not necessarily a high-scoring one.

“Hunslet complete high so they look after the ball. They make you earn everything – every yard when you carry the ball or any points.”

Hooker Sam Hallas is left out of the squad as a precaution after picking up a slight muscle pull in his bicep during a gym session.

Kear confirmed: “We’ll probably air on the side of safety with him but everyone else has come through hunky-dory.

“I’m wary we play Hunslet on Sunday, again the Sunday after that and then we’ve got Oldham five days later.

“They are three very big games and we really need a fully-fit squad who are ready, willing and able to play.”

Hunslet, like the Bulls, have made a perfect start to the new campaign – having finished last year with five successive wins to lift the League One shield.

Kear is very aware of the danger that Gary Thornton’s side will pose on Sunday.

“They are three out of three this season and you can’t do any better than that,” he said.

“It’s similar to what we’ve done and that’s what makes it such a mouth-watering clash.

“They are playing well and in a good bit of form but so are we. It’s going to be very difficult.”