BULLS chief Steve McNamara has warned his players they are about to face the strongest Giants in the Super League era.

The former Huddersfield ace is determined to see his Bradford team open their 2007 campaign with an impressive win at the Grattan Stadium.

But he knows they will need to be at their best to guarantee a positive start and inflict a second successive defeat on the Giants.

"I rate Huddersfield highly and know they will present us with a massive challenge," said the former Huddersfield captain, who played for the Giants between 2001 and 2003.

"They have recruited very well, just like every club in the competition, and they look stronger than last season.

"The signings they have made are all very impressive, and we know anything less than our best will not be good enough.

"It's going to be a tough opening for us, particularly as Huddersfield have the advantage of already playing a Super League game this season, which should make them a touch sharper.

"But I've been really happy with the way things have gone in pre-season. I'm working with a group who are highly motivated and are desperate to build on last season."

The Bulls finished fourth last season and were beaten 19-12 by Hull in the Grand Final Eliminator.

Huddersfield, on the other hand, are still waiting to make the play-offs for the first time, and McNamara admits he will be pleased when it happens.

"I make no secret of how much I enjoyed my time at Huddersfield," he added.

"I was gutted when we went down in the first season I was at the club, but I was over the moon when I helped get us get straight back up to Super League a year later. That was one of the highlights of my career.

"Since then, the club have gone from strength to strength and are now very highly-regarded in Super League.

"I would love to see the Giants reach the six - although not at the expence of the Bulls, of course - and for Ken Davy, in particular.

"The work he has put in over the years to get the club where they are now has been absolutely incredible.

"I think those efforts are now paying off with the quality of the personnel he now has at the club.

"They are a top club across the board."

Bradford Bulls: Morrison, Burgess, James, Cook, Harris (I), McAvoy, Evans, St Hilaire, Harris (B), Langley, Newton, Feather, Deacon, Vagana, Vainikolo, Hape, Solomona, Platt, Kopczak, Henderson.

Huddersfield Giants: Reilly, Lolesi, Brown, Elford, Thorman, Paul, Crabtree, Drew, Skandalis, Nero, Raleigh, Wild, Jones, Jackson, Mason, Griffin, Hudson, Snitch, Gardner, Gleeson.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Mirfield).