Steve McNamara has warned Wigan not to underestimate his improving Bulls.

Despite losing their opening two games of the campaign, against Huddersfield and Saints, Bradford have undergone a recovery of late and go into tomorrow night’s game following back-to-back wins.

Yet they will still start the Grattan Stadium clash as underdogs, with most observers tipping table-toppers Wigan to maintain their 100 per cent record.

But Bulls boss McNamara, who was pleased by the style of his side’s victory against Castleford and their resilience in beating Salford, believes the Warriors should expect one of their toughest tests yet.

He said: “Wigan will be a challenge, there’s no doubt about that.

“People forget Wigan were a good team last season. They were the width of a touchline from making it to the Grand Final in the play-off game at St Helens and you never know what would’ve happened if they’d got to the final.

“But people talk about Wigan being a challenge for us. We will certainly be a challenge for them.”

The clash with Wigan marks the start of a testing run for the Bulls, when they face Super League’s current top three in the space of three weeks.

But McNamara is wary of letting upcoming games against Warrington and Hull detract from the task at hand.

“You simply can’t look at what’s in front,” he said.

“We look in front in terms of planning our practices and days off but in trying to predict what may or may not happen, you can’t do it.

“We go into every game looking to perform well and get the two points and we’re confident of doing that.”

Paul Deacon’s return to Bradford adds spice to tomorrow’s clash.

The battle-hardened scrum half was one of McNamara’s most trusted field lieutenants during the past three years and became his first appointment as captain when he replaced Iestyn Harris in 2007.

But pleasantries will be saved until after the final whistle.

McNamara said: “We welcome Paul and his family back with open arms, he was good for us, but come Friday night, it’s about business.

“It was difficult for him because he left in the close-season so didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. I’m sure he’s looking forward to seeing a lot of old faces.”