JOHN Kear insists Bulls' Summer Bash clash against Halifax is more than just a dress rehearsal for their Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Bulls will round off tonight's action at the Championship extravaganza with a derby against their West Yorkshire rivals (8pm kick-off).

Kear's sixth-placed side are just two places and two points above their opponents.

Halifax, who have won their last three games, have Simon Grix in caretaker charge after Richard Marshall left the club last month.

Bulls and Halifax will know each other inside out as they face off three times within the next five weeks.

After Saturday's clash, Odsal will host the Challenge Cup tie on Sunday, June 2, followed by another home game for Bulls three weeks later.

They have already played each other this season, with Bulls grabbing a 33-26 victory at The Shay on Good Friday.

Bradford will also be looking to improve their record against Halifax, with only four wins in their last 10 meetings, including an 18-4 win at the 2015 Summer Bash. Winger Ethan Ryan has scored a try in each of the Bulls' last three meetings with Halifax.

Bulls go into tonight's clash at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road buoyed by their Challenge Cup giant-killing over Super League giants Leeds Rhinos.

After their cup exploits, Kear says it is important for his side to take points off their rivals for a play-off place in their next two games. The Halifax Bash derby is followed by a trip for Bulls to Featherstone Rovers on Sunday, May 26.

Kear says he has never had a situation in his distinguished career when he has played the same team a number of times in such close proximity.

He said: "We have two 'four-point' games coming up next.

"It's two points that are important to get us up the league ladder. Halifax, and then Featherstone Rovers after that, are our rivals for the play-off spots.

"It is vitally important for us to get these points and take points off our rivals.

"I never use the game plan twice anyway. It will be a different game plan against Halifax than it was against Leeds. We have Halifax again in two weeks' time, I'm fully aware of that.

"I have never played against the same opponents three times in five weeks like we are with Halifax.

"We have had a lot of games recently. We've had players coming back from injuries and players playing a lot of match minutes. We have to factor all of this in.

"Some fans might think we are making strange selections, but we have access to the information and data.

"It will be a difficult game for us against Halifax."