TONIGHT sees another eagerly anticipated clash between two of Super League's superpowers which will have the rugby world on the edge of its seat writes Chris Hall

I'm talking, of course, about Ronnie the Rhino versus the Bullman.

Bradford-Leeds derbies are always great sporting spectacles and a serious rival to the intensity of Wigan-Saints clashes. But just as fascinating as the match itself is the fierce rivalry between the clubs' two mascots.

For those of you who have not yet witnessed horn to horns combat at first hand, Ronnie (Leeds) and Bullman (Bradford) are two of the most animated sideline sidekicks in the game and take the business of outdoing each other very seriously.

My favourite example came at Odsal a couple of years back, when Ronnie challenged Bullman to a half-time sprint down the full length of his home turf to decide just who was the greatest.

Bullman accepted with a glint in his eye and a swish of his tail, then proceeded to leave his rival trailing by some 50 metres as he stormed the great stampede.

As the usual Odsal celebrations were poured over the prize bull, there was more than a tint of red on the grey face of his demoralised opponent, who looked visibly bemused by the outcome of the race - even through an inch of polyestor.

Long after the excitement of the duel had died away and the second half completed, I was privy to the tunnel area for the usual tedious wait for interviews with the game's key players, when who should walk past but the victorious Bullman himself.

Now, any children reading this may want to look away now as I would hate to ruin their illusions.

For, upon reaching the dressing room, Bullman removed his head to reveal his true identity - None other than Bradford's substitute winger Justin Brooker!

It appears the pacey Aussie had sneakily switched places with the usual marketing stooge in one of the great sporting stitch-ups.

I'm not sure to this day if poor old Ronnie ever did find out but, one thing's for sure, he will be out for revenge again tonight.