Learning to share did not come easy for Bulls rake Matt Diskin.

The product of an era dominated by 80-minute hookers, Diskin has never been averse to putting in a full shift and marathon stints were simply part of the DNA.

But the evolution of the rotated role changed everything and, at the risk of joining a dying breed, the former Leeds star understood the need to adapt.

Forced to act as an impact hooker himself last season, he has become accustomed to splitting the burden and reckons a new partnership with Heath L’Estrange will be crucial to the Bulls’ chances of victory against his old employers.

“In a way, I’d like to go back to those days,” said Diskin ahead of tomorrow’s Millennium Magic showdown with the Rhinos.

“You ask any hooker and they want as much game-time as possible. But the game is that quick now and with the number of substitutions it allows you that flexibility to play two No 9s.

“If we lost a number of substitutions, like the Aussie game, you might see a change in strategy. But we’ve got some very talented hookers in Super League and the two-hooker system is working for most clubs.

“Myself and Heath have two totally different skillsets really which will blend in and help each other. The modern game now is about the shared No 9 and you’ve got to be realistic about that.

“We’ll both be fighting for that starting jersey, which we’re both happy about and hopefully it’ll do both our games good.”

Pitted against his former club in Cardiff, Diskin could not have asked for a more fitting Bradford debut.

The former Great Britain international will also go head-to-head with Danny Buderus, the man who took his starting spot at Headingley, but insists he will not be out to make a statement.

Diskin said: “The only point I need to prove is to myself. But I’m really looking forward to the game and I’d love to get one over on the Leeds boys, as I’m sure they would with us.

“I’ve enjoyed it at Bradford so far but we know it’s going to take time for the new team to gel. Even in training we’re still getting to know each other’s timings and things like that.

“But we’ve also shown some good stuff as well and there are some really promising prospects for where we’re going to go this year.”

Mick Potter also sees huge potential in the new combinations, having swooped for Diskin immediately after Leeds made him available in October.

The 29-year-old’s abrasive, yet measured approach appears a perfect fit alongside the sparky craft of L’Estrange.

“The likes of Diskin and L’Estrange will play a big part in our team,” said the Bradford boss.

“It’ll take time and you could see that in the trials. For example, Matty Diskin likes to get over the advantage line and some of our forwards like the ball off the ground.

“That’s just because he hadn’t played and it’s not until you get in the heat of battle that you understand that.

“They’ll work combinations and that’ll take a few weeks. I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be perfect. I’ve got to be a little bit patient, as they have too.”