HAVING last year failed to qualify for the Super League play-offs for the first time, Bradford start the 2010 campaign in determined mood.

And with the likes of Matt Orford, Heath L’Estrange and Brett Kearney bolstering the Bulls’ squad, it’s not hard to see why the Odsal faithful will be confident of a more successful season.

Steve Menzies, Jamie Langley, Andy Lynch and Wayne Godwin will form part of an imposing pack, while Rikki Sherrife, Paul Sykes and former Giants centre Chris Nero add excitement out wide.

A top-eight finish will be the minimum expectation for one of Super League’s most successful clubs, with a win at the Giants tonight putting down an instant marker.

And the confidence in coach Steve McNamara’s side won’t be lacking after last week’s solid 18-16 pre-season triumph at top-flight rivals Hull KR.

MATT ORFORD joins Bradford from Australian side Manly Sea Eagles, whom he captained to Grand Final success in 2008 and World Club Challenge glory in 2009.

The 31-year-old scrum-half was also recognised as the best player in the Australian NRL in 2008 when he won the illustrious Dally M Medal.

Orford scored 17 tries and kicked 242 goals during a four-year spell with Manly that saw him make 98 appearances for the club.

He has previously played for Melbourne Storm and, after signing, he said: “I’m very excited ad I can’t wait to join Bradford.

“I’ve always wanted to play in England.”

REGARDED as one of the brightest young coaches in rugby league, Bull boss Steve McNamara endured a torrid year in 2009, but is confident of turning things around.

A goal-kicking loose-forward at Hull, Wakefield and Huddersfield, where he was captain of the Giants’ side promoted back into Super League in 2002, it was as a player at Bradford where he enjoyed the most success.

During that time he was in the Bulls’ Super League title-winning side of 1997, and is desperate to bring the glory days back to Odsal.

Today's Examiner contains a 16-page special supplement to celebrate the start of the Giants' campaign in Super League XV.

In the full colour pull-out special you can find out who's the toughest Giant, what are the teams chances of topping last season's achievements and what the boys get up to in their spare time.

There's also exclusive interviews with Paul Whatuira, Kevin Brown and Lee Gilmour as well as a full colour double page Giants team photo and fixture list.

Plus, the start of the season wouldn't be the same without Jamahl Lolesi's guide to Super League. Last season the Hammer told us about his team mates, this season he takes us through the good, bad and ugly of Super League teams and players!

Grab a copy of the special 16-page pull out inside your Examiner newspaper today.