BRADFORD Bulls’ Kirsty Moroney and Leeds Rhinos’ Lois Forsell will relish the chance to play against each other for the first time, as best friends clash when the Bulls take on the Rhinos at Odsal tomorrow.

Forsell is no stranger to the Bulls having played a crucial role in last season’s undefeated campaign, as the Women’s side bulldozed their way to the Super League and Challenge Cup titles.

This time around, Forsell will be wearing the shirt of arch rivals Leeds Rhinos having joined them in the off-season: “I’m still best mates with Kirsty.

"We will have our spats once we get out there, she will wind me up no end, but we will be friends afterwards,” said the former Bulls hooker.

Moroney was delighted when it was announced that Bradford and Leeds would clash at Odsal after the men host Coventry Bears.

“I was asked who I wanted to play first this season and my answer was always going to be Leeds Rhinos,” said Moroney.

“I’ve got a few friends, like Lois who have moved there, so I’m excited to see what they are about."

The Rhinos join a host of clubs, such as St Helens and Wigan Warriors, who will field teams in the Women’s Super League for the first time this season, and Moroney is keen for women’s rugby league in England to grow further.

“It’s massive for the women’s teams to be affiliated with the men’s Super League clubs, and this has been a long time coming.

“The way that the clubs have been investing into the women is phenomenal. Just to be stood alongside the men is something the girls are really excited about and a huge honour.

Forsell also takes pride in seeing the growth of the women’s game: “Last season there were just four teams in the Super League, but the new year starts now, and we want a really good turnout from the clubs” she explained.

“Signs are really positive and we want to get more girls involved in this competition.

"For community players to play in an elite league like this, with the support we are getting is like nothing we have ever had before. It makes us feel valued for being amazing at what we do.

Many have questioned where the Bulls go from last season, having wiped out everyone in their path, but Moroney insists there are still goals which need to be achieved.

She added: “We are under no illusions how difficult it will be to come close to what we achieved last season.

“However, that doesn’t stop us setting our goals to achieve more success. It will be tough but that’s how it should be, it won’t be like last year.”