Francis Cummins doesn’t buy into reports of Leeds’ demise.

After losing their Super League crown to Wigan last year and undergoing a complete backroom overhaul, the Rhinos have had their fair share of critics in the build-up to the new campaign but Cummins certainly isn’t one of them.

As he prepares to face his former club for the first time, the Bulls’ new assistant coach marked them out as a force to be reckoned with – and he should know.

A stalwart of 18 years at Headingley as player and coach, the former Great Britain winger played a part in each of their four recent Grand Final victories before crossing the divide in November.

“They are still a huge threat, without any doubt,” he said. “They have arguably the best squad in the league. They didn’t win the competition last year but they weren’t far off.

“Having worked with them, I know the calibre of people involved – not just the players but the staff involved there as well. They are a good outfit and a great set-up.”

Still, Cummins heads into Sunday’s Millennium Magic derby clash attempting to plot the Rhinos’ downfall and hoping the season opener can be the first stage in a changing of the guard.

He said: “It will be strange to face Leeds but it would probably be more strange if it had been played at Headingley or Odsal and going in the other changing rooms.

“There are plenty of jokes about the big divide but I haven’t really noticed it and I’ve not received any stick. But then it’s not about me.

“I’ve enjoyed the change of clubs. It’s all different and it takes a bit of getting used to but it’s just different players and a different environment.

“The jobs are different as a result. At Leeds, you had to keep the players focused on achieving more each year and now I’ve got a chance to give Bradford a taste of that. It’s exciting times.”

Cummins even reckons the Rhinos could give their arch-rivals a leg-up on the way to the top.

Lessons learned from his time are being used in a bid to restore the Bulls to former glories, especially with Bradford’s burgeoning homegrown core providing shades of Leeds’ all-conquering academy graduates.

Danny McGuire, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Rob Burrow and recent Bradford signing Matt Diskin all graduated through the ranks to feature heavily in the club’s Super League success.

“At Leeds they have quality players but it’s the environment that’s more important,” said Cummins.

“That’s a big thing I’ve discovered as a coach, and having the players buy into what you’re trying to achieve is vital.

“They have to put egos to one side and be prepared to put in the hard work individually and collectively. We have a lot of talent, a lot of young talent and a lot of experience. We may have to find a different way to get the job done but it’s exciting times for the club as this team develops.

“These things don’t happen overnight. It takes a while and you can almost spot where they are on the line of progression.

“It’s good to help these players achieve that and it’s the journey that’s the most enjoyable thing rather than just lifting the silverware.

“Seeing the young players carry through what they have learned and take the lead themselves is satisfying.”

Talented second-rower Elliott Whitehead heads up the Bulls’ own crop of talented youngsters, taking their place in a squad built on hard work rather than reputation.

Places in the starting line-up for Sunday’s game will be up for grabs right until the final training session, and Cummins believes that ethic will more than make up for a perceived lack of big-name signings.

“In the past, clubs have tried to bring a big name in and it appeases some people but is it going to be good for the team? For certain teams it works but you have to look long term.

“There’s no doubt this club has been through some rough times but there have been brave decisions made by the board and by (former head coach) Steve McNamara to invest in youth and training facilities, looking at the bigger picture.

“They could have looked at short-term stop-gaps in throwing money at players.

“Hopefully that will start to pay off now.”