Unbelievably the Challenge Cup quarter-final draw has pitted us at Odsal against our old friends and rivals from Halifax.

It seems like every other match is against our old foes. Having played them in the Yorkshire Cup, then on Good Friday and today at Summer Bash, we are now scheduled to lock horns a fourth time this season, with at least one more still to come.

The match-up is probably what both sides would have called for, being the only two Championship teams left in this 123-year old competition, and a semi-final place up for grabs. Both sides will fancy their chances and both sets of supporters will arrive at Odsal full of confidence.

But before that, tonight we have another Saturday night league fixture against none other than Halifax to look forward to and I confidently predict it will be the Saturday highlight.

The Bulls nation will undoubtedly be the largest supporters group at the event, guaranteed, and the noise and atmosphere in the stadium, live on TV will be terrific.

I am a firm believer in the Summer Bash/Magic concept and it is no coincidence that the NRL have picked it up with a reported 140,000 watching. Good luck to them. I think Bash will improve this year. Magic I’m afraid has some work to do on its fixture list if it is to get back to the high standards previously achieved.

Both Halifax and the Bradford are buzzing after the weekend, and it will be interesting to see how each team choose to engage each other in what will be a tough physical contest.

Today will be a cracker, make no mistake, the test run if you like for everyone, but we need to shove that all to the back of our minds, because two league competition points might prove the difference between making the play-offs and watching from the stands.

As I have said at the outset my expectation is for a top three play-off position come September. Right now the target is blue and white, and we need those two points!

Meanwhile, after the royal baby speculation, the nation has moved on to the next big question…who will George Williams be playing for next year?

Well I will tell you. Canberra Raiders. The transfer is the latest in the player drain to the NRL from Super League. It won’t stop there by the way.

According to my sources in the NRL, the competition’s best side in St Helens, may be about to lose one of their gun front rowers.

We will see. I hope not on both accounts, for while I believe that players, and indeed people generally, should be able to market themselves on a global basis, it is hardly good for the whole England national side to be employed by Australian clubs.

Back to business, tonight will be another close tough challenge. We know they are still smarting over losing our last encounter as we came from behind (as usual) at Halifax last month.

One thing’s for certain, they sit two points behind us, and they will bring a credible, tough team. We expect them to have a large vocal travelling crowd and be throwing everything at the Bulls.

I really think this will be as tight a game as you would expect in this division. We desperately want the win. So will they.

Please get along to show your support and cheer your Bulls team today at Summer Bash, Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, as we take on the boys in Blue and White.

Check out the special Summer Bash Away Guide online or in the T&A, as you prepare for your weekend footie feast.The Bulls kick-off is 8pm.

Tickets are still available in the club shop or online at www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/tickets #COYB #BullsNation