Former Harlequins duo Rikki Sheriffe and Michael Worrincy are ready for their quick return to the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.
Worrincy knows he faces a fight for place in Bradford pack
Former Harlequins duo Rikki Sheriffe and Michael Worrincy are ready for their quick return to the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.
The quirk of the fixture computer means the Bradford new boys will be back on their old stomping ground on the opening weekend of Super League XIV.
The game has been brought forward from round three to enable Quins to take on Manly Sea Eagles in a warm-up for the World Club Challenge.
Bradford-born Sheriffe admits he couldn't help but laugh when he found out he could be making his Bulls debut against his old team-mates.
Great club
"I laughed when I saw the fixture list," said the winger, who came close to selection for England last season.
"It's a great club and I'm really looking forward to going back down there and seeing some familiar faces.
"I really enjoyed living in London. The fans were good to me and I left on very good terms. It was a good experience and it helped me mature as a player. But coming to Bradford is a dream come true, it's my home-town club."
Worrincy will also get the chance to go up against some familiar faces - provided he is picked by new boss Steve McNamara.
Having been something of a regular with Harlequins the second-rower knows he must work hard just to win a starting berth with the Bulls.
The competition for places in the pack is fierce, particularly with the arrival of the legendary Steve Menzies from Manly Sea Eagles during the off-season.
Glenn Morrison, Jamie Langley, Matt Cook and Dave Solomona are also contesting for back-row places for the season-opener.
Best player
"I didn't realise how many back rowers they had until I signed," he joked. "You want to be the best player you can be and I want to play week in, week out in the Bulls first team.
"I played quite a few times for Quins last year and had a good time down there but sometimes you've got to move on.
"My aim now is to be in the starting team as much as I can and get as much game time as I can."
Although he feels it is "just another game", Worrincy knows he will have to stay cool in the heat of battle against Harlequins.
"It's just another game," he added. "It's a game you want to win but you've got to be smart.
"I don't want to be going down there all fired up, trying to be a hero and smash everyone. As long as I am playing, I'll try to play smart and play well and help us get the points."
