Jimmy Lowes' decision to stay on with the Bulls has given the side a massive boost ahead of Saturday's showdown with St Helens.

The veteran hooker defied rumours within the game that he was set to retire and signed as player-coach with Bradford for another 12 months.

And fellow Great Britain international Mike Forshaw is among those delighted that his team-mate is set to stay on.

"If Jimmy had quit that would have left a massive void in our team," said Forshaw, another of the senior players with the club. "He is a fantastic player and a great bloke and it would have been a real shame if he had decided to retire.

"His decision to stay has given everyone at the club a big boost. He is a great competitor and I love playing alongside him.

"Jimmy has been one of the most consistent performers in Super League all year and he will be a big part of our plans for Saturday."

Sky Sports pundit Mike Stephenson believes that the 'Golden Triangle' of Lowes, Forshaw and Paul Deacon will be central to Bradford's success at Old Trafford.

And Lowes' presence on the pitch this weekend is set to be a deciding factor in the tie.

Along with Deacon, the 33-year-old's kicking game proved pivotal in the Bulls' victory at Knowsley Road two weeks ago, and Lowes will be expected to do the same again to bring the Super League trophy back to Bradford for a third time.

"I am really looking forward to the game," said Leeds-fan Lowes, who will set aside his rivalry with Manchester United to play at their stadium.

"I love playing at Old Trafford. I have had two fantastic wins there before - it is a great place to perform.

"This is the sort of game that we all love and it is the sort of match that makes you keep going in the sport."