BULLS hooker George Flanagan knows his side could not have had a much tougher Challenge Cup First Round draw than Featherstone away, but he sees no reason why they cannot win and set the tone for a successful 2021 season.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's clash, he said: "This is the game we've been building towards in pre-season.

"We weren't at 100 per cent in the two friendlies, but we had squads of 27 and 24 for them, so we're looking forward to just going in with that full 17 this weekend.

"We were trying combinations and we did look rusty, we've not quite hit that smooth tempo we're looking for yet.

"There's a lot of young lads who are still learning, and John has gone to school on us all, so we know we need to improve.

"But it's been a positive and productive week in training, with a lot of sessions and combinations under our belts.

"Having Jordan Lilley missing is a blow, but we've got plenty of backs who can fill in for him.

"Everything has pretty much gone to plan leading up to the game, so we'll see what happens at 3pm on Sunday."

But Flanagan is not naive. Bulls have not won at Featherstone since 2015, and they are going up against a side who had big pre-season victories over Oldham and Batley.

The 34-year-old said: "Fev are one of the favourites to go up this year, they'll definitely be up there in the league come the end of the season.

"We've looked at them in depth and they're a real threat up the middle and in the outside backs. They've put a great squad together.

"I've been to Fev with a few clubs, and played there myself for a season, so I know it's a tough place to go.

"Statistics like the 2015 one do speak for themselves, but you've just got to take each game as a different one.

"It is a tough test but one we're looking forward to."

Asked about Bulls' goals in the Challenge Cup this year, Flanagan said: "We've spoken as a group and without doubt, we want to get to Wembley for the 1895 Cup final.

"All we have to do is win the next two, so it's an easier road than before, but we have to look at each game one at a time, so it's Fev we're focusing on and trying to tick that off.

"It's still early on, but we want to put a platform down against Fev, and get building towards having a positive season."

How much Flanagan will play this year is up for debate, with Tom Doyle and Sam Hallas also in contention for that spot at hooker.

But the veteran insisted: "It's really healthy competition we have for that spot.

"Tom has been a revelation since he came into the first team and Sam is just a top pro.

"I'm obviously a bit older than the two of them but we all help each other.

"They can learn things off me, with my extra experience, but I can still pick up new ideas from the two of them too.

"It has its benefits the three of us fighting for that place."