KRIS Welham is hoping to win the first silverware of his career on Sunday – but admits he would be almost too embarrassed to lift the trophy.

The Bulls host Sheffield in the Championship Shield final as they bid to claim their first trophy since the 2006 World Club Challenge win over Wests Tigers.

Yet Welham, arguably Bradford's stand-out performer this year following his close-season move from Hull KR, admits the celebrations will be muted at best.

Rohan Smith's men were reduced to competing in the Shield after failing to finish in the top four at the end of the 23 regular rounds.

Welham said: "This would be the first piece of silverware of my career but it's nothing to shout about because it's disappointing for Bradford to be in this position.

"I don't think I would be embarrassed to win it but I would be embarrassed to lift it above my head and start cheering and running around the pitch.

"I can't speak for the other boys but you definitely won't see me doing that.

"We've only got ourselves to blame for being in the Shield with poor performances throughout the year and all we can do now is win the Shield.

"It's what fans expect us to do and what we expect of ourselves – but we would have much preferred to have been in the Million Pound Game and pushing for promotion."

Welham had expected to compete for Super League after joining Bradford last winter and admits he would have loved to be involved in tomorrow's showpiece between Hull KR and Salford.

Rovers full back Ben Cockayne called the crunch clash "a disgrace" earlier this week, echoing similar sentiments expressed by ex-Bulls coach Jimmy Lowes after his side lost to Wakefield in the fixture last year.

Bulls centre Welham said: "We would much rather be competing in the Million Pound Game this weekend but I can see Ben's view from both sides.

"Bradford had nothing to lose last year and had a chance to get back to the elite level. A Super League team, on the other hand, risk losing their livelihoods because jobs and mortgages are on the line.

"I'm planning to go to the Million Pound Game and cheer on Hull KR because it's my home-town club and I've got a lot of good friends there still.

"No-one wants to lose and be out of work the next day, so I wish my old team all the best this weekend."

Kurt Haggerty will return to the Bulls side after a two-match ban on Sunday, while departing duo Adrian Purtell and Epalahame Lauaki may also be given one last hurrah.