Huddersfield Giants could face a massive pre-season test at relegated Bradford Bulls.

The West Yorkshire rivals will go head-to-head at Odsal on Sunday, January 18, with the hosts ready to hand debuts to several big-name signings.

Those could include former Hull and Wigan prop Epalahame Lauaki, who signed a two-year contract with the Championship club over the Christmas period.

The 30-year-old former New Zealand and Tonga international makes the switch from leading Australian NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, where he spent the majority of last season after leaving Wigan.

The Bulls are planning to field a strong side against the Giants, who intend to give as many of their players a run-out before coach Paul Anderson trims down his squad for the trip to Halifax seven days later.

And that looks certain to include Lauaki, who Bradford coach James Lowes believes will do a top job.

“Epalahame is an extremely talented individual and we are really pleased to have secured his services,” said Lowes.

“He has an explosive approach and comes with an ability to wreak havoc in short spells.

“Epalahame gives us something I believe we don’t currently have. He certainly adds to an already impressive squad and will prove vital for some of our young and upcoming forwards.

“We have a young roster, so the experience he brings will certainly help aid the future progress of the likes of Dan Fleming, Samir Tahraoui and Karl Davies.”

The 6ft, near-18st Lauaki, who twice played against England for the Exiles during his stint in Super League, becomes the 30th member of the Bulls squad for the 2015 Championship campaign.

He said: “I am so excited to be joining such a big and well-known club like Bradford.

“I believe I will bring some experience and toughness to our team and I cannot wait to get started.

“The Championship is a challenge I am looking forward to. We will be going up against some good teams, who will be certainly looking forward to playing us.

“There is a really solid squad in place at Bradford but I want to be in the 17, which means I have plenty of hard work ahead of me.”