Bradford Bulls are preparing for a massive boost at the turnstiles when they line up against Leeds Rhinos in their Easter Sunday Super League showdown.

The champions average has trebled since the launch of summer rugby in 1996 and last season they broke the 15,000 barrier.

But Bulls chairman Chris Caistley says: "We think a 17,000 average this season is a realistic target and what better way to set us on our way than a visit from Leeds.

"We feel with reasonable weather and the timing of the match during the school holidays we could be set for a very big night indeed."

The traditional derby tussle is, if anything, becoming even more popular with over 19,000 watching their encounter at Headingley last June and 16,500 packing in for the return at Odsal two months later.

And with both clubs getting off to flying starts on the opening weekend another massive turn-out looks assured.

The Bulls took an estimated 7,000 fans to Huddersfield on Friday when almost 12,500 saw them record a 38-6 success while the Rhinos pulled in 9,897 for the 30-8 triumph over Warrington at Headingley.

Expectations are high in Rhinos ranks following the appointment of Aussie Graham Murray as their new coach during the close season.

Murray was widely acclaimed for leading the unfashionablle Hunter Mariners to the final of the World Club Championship last season and his sides are well known for producing an attractive brand of rugby.

The Bulls are also in good heart after recovering from their shock cup defeat by Castleford and with both sides fancied to reach the top five play-offs a great battle is in prospect.

Coach Matthew Elliott was given a scare ahead of the big match when Great Britain full-back Stuart Spruce sustained a nasty head gash at the McAlpine Stadium.

But after several stitches he was able to return to the action heavily bandaged and is expected to take his place in the side.

Elliott faces a selection poser on the wing with former Leeds man Jon Scales expected to be fit, after recovering from a broken thumb, to challenge Abi Ekoku for the left wing role.

Leeds major worry surrounds skipper Iestyn Harris who was forced to retire yesterday with a twisted knee.

Bulls Academy side emulated the seniors by making a winning start to the season 20-8 at Featherstone yesterday.

An early try by Stuart Fielden and accurate kicking by Paul Deacon set them on the way. Derek Harper finished well in the corner after good pressure at the start of the second half and a Lee Bardauskas effort finally finished off a brave Featherstone side.

Strong work by the forwards with Craig Pearson, Fielden and Bardauskas prominent, played a vital part in the win.

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