WATCH out for a few surprises when the Giants do battle against Bradford Bulls at Odsal tomorrow (3.00).

Head coach Jon Sharp is keeping his tactics firmly under wraps.

But it is clear several new combinations may be about to be unveiled as Sharp looks to find fresh ways to catch the opposition off guard.

Some of the options may be shortlived, with Australian Test centre Michael De Vere guaranteed to step straight back into action in March when he fully recovers from his serious knee injury.

In his absence, however, his teammates will have the chance to stake a claim.

It will be interesting, for example, to see who takes De Vere's place in the threequarters tomorrow.

The smart money is on De Vere and James Evans being the first-choice centre team.

But the likes of Stuart Donlan, Stanley Gene, Chris Nero and Marcus St Hilaire may have something to say about that.

St Hilaire, for instance, may feel he has a fair amount to offer in that position in order to give the flying Paul White another chance to show his considerable pace out wide.

Many believe that wing could prove the 22-year-old's most successful position.

But with White having also been employed at half-back and hooker under Sharp, anything is possible.

Another main factor to consider, however, is the strength of White's claim to wear the scrum half or hooker shirt when there are so many other rivals for the roles.

Vying to take control at No7 will be Chris Thorman, Paul March, Stanley Gene, Sean Penkywicz and Brad Drew.

Yet Drew has already made it crystal clear he would like permanent possession of the No9 jersey, something that won't have been lost on March, Penkywicz and White.

But it's not just at hooker where Sharp has a multitude of options in the pack.

Who, for instance, are his two first-choice props?

Could it be Mick Slicker, Jim Gannon, Eorl Crabtree or Paul Jackson? Or even Ben Roarty for that matter.

It would appear Roarty is more likely to be in the second row, where Chris Nero and Stuart Jones successfully spent a fair chunk of last season.

All these three also had stints at loose-forward, but could we see Gene becoming the new No13?

Hopefully, the picture will become a little clearer tomorrow - possibly!

Yet at least everyone knows the Giants will be coming up against a quality Bulls side.

"We're sending out our strongest squad, because this is our main pre-season match before Super League X kick-offs," confirmed Bulls football manager Stuart Duffy.

"But we also need to be strong to face what we know will be a very good Giants squad. Huddersfield have strengthened very well and are going to be a lot stronger this year.

"Having said that, the competition as a whole is going to be far stronger, and this match tomorrow should provide a fantastic appetiser."

* Prices for tomorrow's game are £12 for adults and £6 concessions.