CAPTAIN Kirsty Moroney admits the Bulls will face a much bigger challenge in this year’s Women’s Super League after sweeping the board in 2017.

The all-conquering Bulls kick off the new campaign against Leeds Rhinos at Odsal on Sunday.

The local derby will provide the main event straight after the men’s clash with Coventry.

Moroney and Co will line up against several familiar faces, who have left the Bradford ranks to join the Rhinos – one of several new sides in the beefed-up competition.

The Bulls took all the silverware last season but England international Moroney is expecting a far tougher battlefield in a league that has doubled in size.

She said: “Last season was without doubt the best domestic season I’ve been involved with.

“I’m sure I speak for all the girls when I say it was beyond what we thought we could achieve.

“We set out to win some silverware but to go unbeaten was fantastic.

“We’re under no illusions how difficult it would be to match that this season.

“But that doesn’t stop us setting our goals from wanting to achieve some of that success.

“It will be tough and that’s how it should be. I’m sure it won’t be like last year.”

RFL women’s development officer Lois Forsell is one of the former Bulls who will be stepping out in Rhinos colours. She has guaranteed there will be no favours with her good pal.

Forsell said: “We’ll have our spats, she’ll try to wind me up no end and I’ll pull her hair in a tackle or two. But we’ll be friends afterwards.

“They were special times at Bradford and it’s vital we highlight how good the Bulls fans were for making the finals what they were.

“Without their support, they wouldn’t have been much of a spectacle. They really did push us on.”

Moroney is excited by the increasing numbers and believes the standard of the women’s game will only improve with extra clubs involved.

“It’s certainly heading in the right direction for women’s Super League clubs to be affiliated with the men and rightly so. It’s been a long time coming.

“There’s a lot of competition and that’s what every player wants – week in, week out you want those competitive games.

“We’ve lost a few key players but at the same time we’ve recruited quite well.

“I’ve got a few friends who’ve moved to Leeds and it will be exciting to see what they are about. They’ve got Adam Cuthbertson in to help them out and are going to be a well-drilled side.”

Kick-off on Sunday is 3.45pm, immediately after the League One men’s game (2pm).