GUEST of honour Danny Russell has not ruled out the Giants pulling off a major Super League shock and beating Bradford Bulls in Sunday's big McAlpine clash (3.00).

The former Giants captain is planning to move back to his native Australia with his family in the next few months.

In the eight years he has lived in the town he has seen his adopted Huddersfield beat every club in British rugby league - apart from the Bulls.

But he believes the Giants now have the calibre of player who can give him the perfect send-off by claiming that elusive final scalp.

"It's going to be a tough task, but I am sure they can do it," said Russell, who has been invited by the club to Sunday's game with his wife Julie and children Faron (eight) and Drew (five).

"It's a great honour to be invited as the club's special guest and when I first found out I was filled with pride.

"But I think I'll feel even more proud if the boys go out there this weekend and pull off a win against a side of the quality of the Bulls.

"The club made massive progress under Tony Smith and it looks as if that process is carrying on under Jon Sharp.

"The boys are playing with a great deal of confidence, and with no shortage of skill.

"I really do hope they can knock them off, because it will be another major signal that the Giants are finally going places in Super League.

"And it's also great to see players like Phil Joseph and Eorl Crabtree developing into such sound Super League performers.

"I've worked with both players during my time on the Academy coaching front, and I always knew they had the potential to go on to great things.

"They are now starting to fulfil that potential."

Besides hoping to give Russell a great send-off, the Giants also invited the former Manly hooker to the game because he was the club captain when Huddersfield played their first game in Super League against the Bulls in April 1998.

And he admits that leading out the Giants in that historic game was one of the proudest moments in his career.

"The atmosphere that night was absolutely tremendous," reflected Russell, who scored his side's try in the 38-6 defeat.

"The result didn't go our way, but the players realised how much support they had behind them, which counts for a lot.

"So I hope the Huddersfield fans really get behind tham on Sunday, because it really could make all the difference.

"It's been noticeable when I've been walking in the streets that the club's success right now is making an impact.

"There are far more people talking about the Giants, and they are talking about them with far more passion.

"For everyone's sake I hope that continues for a very long way to come.

"And I know beating the Bulls would do a tremendous amount of good. I know it can be done."

Giants head coach Sharp has initially named an 18-man squad for Sunday's game - the 17 that beat Doncaster a week ago, plus fit-again Jonathan Grayshon.

That obviously means top duo Brandon Costin and Darren Turner have been left out at this stage.

But Sharp has stressed it doesn't mean they have now been ruled out.

"I know all those who played last week against Doncaster are available for selection," said Sharp.

"But after Brandon and Darren have had their late fitness tests it may change. We'll just have to wait and see."

Bulls coach Brian Noble is also having to play the waiting game.

While delighted top be welcoming back Robbie Paul, Noble still has question marks over the fitness of hooker Aaron Smith (shoulder) and Leon Pryce, who is still suffering from a bout of illness.

The Bulls boss is also have to plan for the game without the services of Toa Kohe-Love (knee), Logan Swann (knee), Shontayne Hape (arm) and Karl Pratt (shoulder).

Huddersfield Giants Reilly, O'Hare, Donlan, Bailey, St Hilaire, Gene, March, Slicker, Joseph, Fleary, Jones, Roarty, Nero, Cooper, Penkywicz, Smith, Crabtree, Grayshon.

Bradford Bulls: Withers, Vaikona, Pryce, Johnson, Vainikolo, Paul, Deacon, Vagana, Smith, Colley, Fielden, Parker, Peacock, Radford, Bridge, Reardon, Langley, Anderson.

Referee: Russell Smith (Castleford).