LIke Cullen himself, Whitehaven are committed, passionate and disciplined - and, having acquired that rare Cumbrian commodity 'the ability to play away from home' - should pose a stern test of Hornets' mettle.
And they're another team with a livewire hooker, Aaron Lester causing damage to quite a few defences this season ably supported by try sniffer extraordinaire David Seeds and wily half back Leroy Joe. Up front, props Mark Cox and Dean Vaughan have created a bit of impact too.
To this successful mix, Cullen has added Jason Critchley - whose match fitness will be severely tested having come off theback of a Union season - and Jason Roach, so they have real experience in key positions too.
Last week Whitehaven saw off Dewsbury in what is being lauded as the finest game ever seen at the Recre' and they'll be coming down here with tails up having beaten us once this season in a 13-8... er... thriller back in the wilds of winter. I missed that one through work commitments - and part of me is quite glad I did!
Hornets have growing injury woes. Scully limped out of last week's win after 20 minutes and is doubtful for Sunday, David Larder is a longer term doubt with his broken wrist and Marlon Billy may noy be back in contention this week. Rumour last week was that Darren Robinson's jaw was healing faster than anticipated, but perhaps not fast enough for him to catch the 17 this week. As yet we have no information on his supposed try-out in the A team.
The likelihood is that Joe Berry's bulldozing style wil get him a start, with Warren Ayres jnr retaining the hooker's jersey.
We could hope that Whitehaven hold back a bit and save themselves for the Biffs next week who travel up to their patch in search of a trouncing.
But with 'haven currently gnawing at the bottom end of the playoff berths, this game is as important to them as it is to us. With Featherstone handed a 'gimme' at Hunslet, it's vital that we come up with the points. .
It's a good one this, don't miss it.