Terry Newton may not be on the park but he can still give his Bulls team-mates a taste of what's to come when they tackle Catalans Dragons.

That's because the banned hooker is one of the few current players to have experienced the French mix of Super League first time around.

Newton was a 17-year-old rookie with Leeds when he appeared against newcomers Paris St Germain in 1996.

He recalls the occasion well and said: "The French really stood up to be counted that day. It was a very physical game and we were lucky enough to come away winners in the end.

"The boys can expect the same this weekend. Catalans are a new side like Paris were back then, they have a great fan base, a lot of loyal supporters and it's going to be a bit of the unknown for our lads.

"But it will be very physical whatever."

Leeds eventually ran out 40-14 victors at the Charlety Stadium with former Bulls prop Adrian Morley helping himself to two tries on his 19th birthday.

The PSG experiment backfired though and they quickly disbanded with no French representation in Super League for the next nine years.

That has changed now with Catalans debuting in 2006 and it is the Bulls' turn to make the trek to Perpignan on Saturday night to take on the latest French fancy.

Newton, suspended until April 8, will miss out on the action.

But he is good friends with the Dragons' Jerome Guissett and, despite the hosts having lost at Salford and Castleford, the Great Britain ace expects a difficult fixture.

"I'm very close to Jerome Guisset through my Wigan days and I know what he thinks about

losing," said Newton.

"He's a real winner who wants to win every match. With him being captain now - after Stacey Jones' injury - Jerome will have that mentality running right through the Catalans side.

"He's enjoying it out there and will be desperate to get them another win but I reckon we've got enough to turn them over."

Newton added: "I watched their first game against Wigan and Catalans were very impressive. They took it to them and Wigan couldn't answer the questions. They'll be looking to do the same against us and they will be a different side on home soil.

"Catalans will be aiming to win their home games and it's going to be interesting.

"It is the sort of game I'd love but unfortunately that can't happen. Just six weeks to go now though."

Seats are still available on the Bulls' supporters day trip to France for the clash, flying out on Saturday morning. Telephone 0207-9765600 for more details.