Peter Roe believes the battle of two of his former clubs will be close but he's predicting the Bulls will gain revenge for last season's derby setbacks.

Roe, who scored a try in Northern's 1977-78 Premiership final win over Widnes, before going on to coach Halifax to promotion to the top flight in 1990-91, is now a match summariser with BBC Radio Leeds.

After watching both sides this season from the commentary box he believes the Bulls have the better long term prospects despite some inconsistent showings so far.

"I have to say I think Bradford's problems seem to be at half-back. I have been fairly critical of Robbie and Henry Paul and don't feel they complement each other stood so close together.

"I know they are not available tomorrow but I feel they would be better off moving Henry to loose forward and playing Paul Deacon alongside Robbie at half-back.

"Bradford's forwards are pretty direct and set up field position well but a lot of the time they seem a bit lost as to where to go from there.

"A lot of sides became wise to Bradford's approach last year and they have to develop extra dimensions to their game. They have the players and I would like to see them when they have had their best team on the build for a few weeks

"Having said that I feel that with home advantage the Bulls will still have the edge."

Like most people Roe was impressed with the Blue Sox in last week's win over Wigan and feels the scene is set for a great struggle.

"To be honest up until Friday they were really struggling to gel with so many new faces and a lot of injuries but it all came right against Wigan.

"I was very surprised that they have chosen to split up the partnership of Gavin Clinch and Chris Chester at half-back as I thought they were among the best pairings last season.

"But to be fair to Graham Holroyd he was first class against Wigan and I'm sure Bradford will try and knock him off his game."

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