Tenambit Morpeth's bowling attack will attempt to do what few teams have done this season, tame Eastern Suburbs' strong batting line-up at East Maitland Park on Saturday.
Only City United and Raymond Terrace have kept the Griffins' batting order to sub-200 totals on their home pitch, with the defending premiers posting huge totals in their other matches at the ground.
Most batsmen's eyes light up at the sight of East Maitland's short square boundaries and the Bulls have the tough task of defending their 294-run total against the griffins' in-from batsmen.
Bulls skipper Aaron Wolinski said the lure of the short boundaries often proved a batsman's undoing at the venue, with hitting across the line high on the shot selection menu.
He hoped a tight line and length from his bowlers might tempt some rash shots from the Griffins.
But the Bulls will play without opening bowler Matt Johns, with John Carlson and Danny Johnson to share the new ball, while the skipper has been impressed with Simon Flannery's efforts in his limited time at the bowling crease this season.
"He hasn't bowled that much but I think he would have to be our leading wicket-taker," Wolinski said.
"Batting is their strength and I think it's going to go right to the end.
"We need an early breakthrough, either Brendan Mills or Rick (Meehan), and then just go from there because they bat right through."
Another big incentive for the Bulls is the chance for them to sneak into the top three before the Christmas break.
With Thornton Park having already secured first innings points against Western Suburbs, Thornton can steal fourth spot if the Bulls lose and could move higher if they secure an outright on Saturday.
"We're in a good position but I think that loss to Weston cost us a chance to open up a buffer on fourth and fifth spot," Wolinski said.
Thornton resumes at 9-173 against Wests, a lead of 62 runs, with the match at Coronation Oval likely to produce a much-needed outright result for either team.
Raymond Terrace need 197 for victory against City United in the top-of-the-table clash at Jack Collins Oval, while Weston Workers will be chasing 351 for victory against Northern Suburbs at Lorn Park.