CONFIDENT Giants captain Ben Roarty believes strength off the bench could prove his side's most effective weapon against Bradford at Odsal on Sunday (3.00).

The Bulls remain the only club the Giants have failed to beat in Super League in seven years.

But with stand-off Chris Thorman continuing to show positive signs of recovery from a back strain and centre James Evans shaking off a shin injury, many believe this weekend could be the ideal time to end that wretched record.

While the Giants were chalking up an impressive fifth win of the campaign against Wigan last Friday, Bradford were suffering a fifth defeat at Warrington two days later.

This latest Bulls reverse hit coach Brian Noble's side hard.

And Roarty is determined to add to the Odsal misery - with the men on the substitutes' bench having a major role to play.

"I believe one of the keys to our success this season has been the impact of the players off the bench," said the Giants pack leader.

"When you know you've got the likes of Paul White, Eorl Crabtree, Mick Slicker and Jonny Grayshon (the four substitutes against Wigan) waiting in the wings, it gives the starting boys more confidence to go out and do their jobs.

"When we get cracking from kick-off, we know that we can give it 100% and then give the blokes on the bench the chance to carry on the good work.

"We know they'll do the job just as well as us, and that's a great position for a side to be in.

"There's no question that rugby league is now a 17-man game, and we go into each match knowing all 17 are potential matchwinners.

"And let's hope we can prove that again at Bradford this weekend, although it's not going to be easy.

"Although the Bulls have had a shaky start to their year, they remain one of the top five in the world.

"But we will still go over there feeling in a confident mood."