BULLS are billing their Boxing Day friendly at home to York City Knights as 'the Grand Final that never happened’.

The League One champions and runners-up will renew their rivalry in the festive opening pre-season clash at Odsal Stadium (kick-off 1.30pm).

There was little to choose between the sides when they clashed last season - Bulls winning 22-20 in the opener at Bootham Crescent before York earned revenge 30-28 in Bradford.

When the leagues were being restructured back in September, the prospect of an extra title decider was mooted though it didn’t materialise, with York going up as champions and Bulls in the play-offs.

At the time, Bulls coach John Kear said: “I think a one v two play-off would be a great finale to the season because York and Bradford have been the best two teams and the most dominant as the league table indicates.

“It would be the best way to play each other in a championship play-off where winner takes all. They’ve beaten us once, we’ve beaten them once and both by two points. It would be a fitting way to decide it."

York City Knights head coach James Ford also said at the time: “We’ve had two great games and I’ve really enjoyed being involved in them.

“I’d much rather say that the league is decided by a third game between the two of us, with the winner going up and loser entering the play-offs – that would sit better with me.

“It would be great to have another one and I’m sure the supporters would love it.”

Prices for the match when the Bulls 2019 squad will be on show for the first time are:

Provident Stand, Pre-Game Day purchase: Adults £18/Concessions £13/Juniors £5 (Under 5s free); On the day purchase: Adults £20/Concessions £15/Juniors £5 (Under 5s free)

Terraces. Pre-Game Day purchase: Adults £13/Concessions £8/ Juniors free; On the Day purchase: Adults £15/Concessions £10/Juniors - free. Upgrade on Day to Provident Stand - £5.