BRADFORD Bulls boss Steve McNamara is convinced tonight’s Hull v Giants play-off clash at the KC Stadium will be an absolute classic.

Both clubs are close to McNamara’s heart.

The Odsal chief began his professional career with hometown club Hull, while he obviously had a successful spell at the Giants and was captain when they gained promotion back into Super League in 2002.

That makes tonight’s clash one that McNamara is looking forward to seeing.

And he is confident it will prove to be a great advert for Super League, and the play-offs.

“It’s going to be a cracking match and is almost impossible to call,” said McNamara.

“That’s what makes the match so intriguing.

“Both teams are there on merit and will fancy their chances of progressing, which is the way it should be.

“There’s no doubt it will be a great physical battle between two teams that are very evenly-matched.

“I know both sides have the individual players who can turn a game, but I believe the strength of both these sides is that they are strong as a team. They have few weak links.

“In that sense, they are more like us than the likes of Saints, Leeds and Wigan, who so often have to rely on their individual world-class players to pull them through.

“What has brought success for Huddersfield, Hull and ourselves at Bradford is the work ethic and the team effort. Tonight, that will again be the key.

“And, also at this stage of the season, which squad is the healthier can count for so much.

“Both teams are relatively injury-free and, in what could be a very close game, the difference could be fitness. That can’t be underestimated.”

Although McNamara left the Giants at the end of the 2003 season, he admits he still has a soft spot for the club, and was delighted when they reached the play-offs for the first time.

“I was proud when I captained the Giants back into Super League and I’m delighted with the way they have gone from strength to strength,’’ he added.

“Everything started to come together after the appointment of Tony Smith, which is when I joined the club.

“He laid some excellent foundations and now the current coaching staff are making sure the Giants continue the progress.

“It’s a real success story and I’m just so pleased for the investors and the fans that stuck by the club during the tough times that they are now reaping their reward.”