New Bulls head coach Eamon O’Carroll admits to initially not being so sure about the wisdom of his side facing great rivals Halifax as early as Christmas Eve, but he is comfortable with what he wants from his players this Sunday.

Odsal will be the venue for the curtain-raiser to the elite English rugby league season, with no-one else getting underway until Boxing Day, while many clubs do not play their opener until January.

Bradford’s 2023 Betfred Championship campaign only came to an end on October 7, while they have only been back for pre-season since November 20.

Discussing this weekend’s clash with the Panthers, O’Carroll said: “I wasn’t so sure about it at first.

“I might have preferred to have a training session on Christmas Eve and I’m sure Fax would have said the same.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bulls' 2023 campaign didn't end until they lost to Toulouse in the Betfred Championship play-off semi-finals in October, but they are already about to get underway again.Bulls' 2023 campaign didn't end until they lost to Toulouse in the Betfred Championship play-off semi-finals in October, but they are already about to get underway again. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“But then it is a chance for us to get to play together and we know we don’t need to get too excited, even if it ends up being a great day and a nice result.

“The way we’re approaching the game is like an extension of training and we can learn plenty from these 80 minutes.

“It’s an opportunity for me to get to know the players better, we still get a nice Christmas break after the game, and with the friendlies we have in January too, we’ll really get to know what system is working for us ahead of the 1895 Cup starting in February.”

With the 1895 Cup a separate competition to the Challenge Cup this year, Bulls could face up to 10 games before their 2024 Championship campaign starts at title favourites Wakefield Trinity on Friday, March 15.

Bradford only played twice before their second-tier opener against Whitehaven last season, and reflecting on that remarkable contrast, O’Carroll laughed: “It’s mad to think we could be on round 10 or 11 before we even go to Wakey.

“But there are certain things to do with the squad in that time and it’ll be about managing game time and giving everyone the right amount of minutes in the friendlies and cups.

“With the games we’ll play, we’re bound to get some injuries in pre-season, but that’s something we’ll have to manage, and I know the group already feel ready for the game this weekend.”

And despite those aforementioned minor misgivings, O’Carroll admits he is relishing many aspects of the occasion this Sunday.

He said: “It’ll be good to make my debut as Bulls head coach at home and I’ll be enjoying the experience of it all.

“I’ve seen what Odsal can be like when I’ve come here as an opposition player or coach, so it’s a real opportunity for me to experience it from the other side now.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: George Flanagan celebrates at full-time after Bulls' last clash with Halifax at Odsal in June, a thrilling 22-22 draw.George Flanagan celebrates at full-time after Bulls' last clash with Halifax at Odsal in June, a thrilling 22-22 draw. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“Everyone who’s fit will get game time for us this weekend and it’s always good for Bradford to get the opportunity to face Halifax.

“We’ll have to be smart in all areas and build on the good start the squad have made to pre-season.

“It’ll be good to give the two lads we have in on trial, Dan Moss and Eliot Peposhi, a chance to play too.

“With it being a derby, hopefully it brings a good amount of fans in after they’ve done their Christmas shopping on the morning.

“It’d be good for both teams to put a special occasion on and it should be a great atmosphere for the new lads to experience for the first time.”