HUDDERSFIELD Giants will play Bradford Bulls in the final countdown to Super League X.

The Odsal showdown has been confirmed for Sunday, January 30 (3.00) - two weeks before the start of the new 2005 season.

The Giants also visit Halifax in the traditional Infirmary Cup pre-season fixture on Monday, January 3 (7.00).

Those will be Huddersfield's only pre-season matches ahead of the start of the new Super League campaign, which will get under way over the weekend of February 13.

Last season the Giants had three pre-season fixtures, but with Super League now starting a week earlier to accommodate the Challenge Cup being played later in the year, two in 2005 seems ideal.

The Bulls v Giants clash was agreed between Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp and Bradford counterpart Brian Noble during their time together with the Great Britain Tri-Nations squad. Noble is, of course, Lions coach and Sharp his assistant.

And the Giants chief believes such a contest is ideal.

"We were keen to have a tough hit-out in the final build-up to the start of the new season," said Sharp.

"And a game against Bradford Bulls will provide just that.

"It will give us an indication of how well we're progressing and what areas need fine-tuning.

"But the Halifax match is also a crucial part of our pre-season plans.

"By the time both games have been played it will have given every member of the first-team squad an opportunity to gain valuable gametime and show me just what they can do."

Sharp has hinted that the game at The Shay may feature a number of his fringe first-team players, with new signings Brad Drew, Michael De Vere and Chris Thorman being saved for the Odsal meeting.