The game is scheduled to take place at the Arthur Miller Stadium on Sunday, March 30. (kick-off 2.30pm)

And local Bramley lad John Elliker, who joined the Buffaloes from Stanningley Crown, is especially keen for the league action to start at last, having missed out on the whole of last season.

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Elliker has shown his worth since returning, notching three Man of the Match awards from four games, scoring some crucial tries with a mixture of explosive running and deft handling.

"I'm delighted to be back playing again" said Elliker "but I am particularly looking forward to the League competition starting. Unlike many of the other lads I have yet to play in a Grand Final. That's my aim, as well as selection for England Lionhearts like some of the other
Bramley lads. I don't make a good spectator."

Nominated for National League 3 "Young Player of the year" in 2006, Elliker has time on his side to make his mark on the competition this year. He has already made "'ell of a start!"

Head Coach Paul Cook is philosophical about the big kick-off being against Bramley's opponents in the Final. "Though we were disappointed to lose, Featherstone were worthy winners and a credit to the competition. I have the utmost respect for the Lions. This is the first match in a long season in a competition that just gets stronger.

"Both sides want the two points but there will be no talk of a rematch of the Final. That was last season. There were no injuries last week at Warrington, and we have Richard Leese and Thomas Webb back from injury to select from."

The Buffaloes match kicks-off the RLC National Championship a week earlier than envisaged due to Bramley's continued involvement in the Northern Rail Cup at Salford, the following week, when the rest of the league competition starts.