Rugby league has long had a reputation as a sport which sorts out the men from the boys.
But reigning Super League champions Bradford Bulls have come up with a novel way of proving their masculinity - a moustache growing competition!
"It's a simple idea: everybody chucks in a tenner and the last person to shave collects the lot," Bradford captain Robbie Paul told BBC Sport.
Paul maintained there was a perfectly reasonable explanation for the macho competition as the Super League season builds to a climax.
"It's a good positive thing. The banter is really flying around and that helps everyone keep a smile on their face."
Baby-faced youngsters Paul Deacon and Stuart Fielden have been on the receiving end of some cruel banter, while several other players - and even the coaches - have not escaped unscathed.
"Paul Deacon and Stuart Fielden have thrown in the towel as their bumfluff was growing in little clumps all over their face," said Paul.
"As you'd expect from the reigning Man of Steel, Jamie Peacock's effort is coming on nicely.
"But Rob Parker and Michael Withers both have ginger moustaches so they're taking a lot of stick.
"All our coaching staff have opted for the handlebar look although Brian Noble bottled it after a week.
"Mine's barely growing so I've got a good chance of winning."
But reigning Super League champions Bradford Bulls have come up with a novel way of proving their masculinity - a moustache growing competition!
"It's a simple idea: everybody chucks in a tenner and the last person to shave collects the lot," Bradford captain Robbie Paul told BBC Sport.
Paul maintained there was a perfectly reasonable explanation for the macho competition as the Super League season builds to a climax.
"It's a good positive thing. The banter is really flying around and that helps everyone keep a smile on their face."
Baby-faced youngsters Paul Deacon and Stuart Fielden have been on the receiving end of some cruel banter, while several other players - and even the coaches - have not escaped unscathed.
"Paul Deacon and Stuart Fielden have thrown in the towel as their bumfluff was growing in little clumps all over their face," said Paul.
"As you'd expect from the reigning Man of Steel, Jamie Peacock's effort is coming on nicely.
"But Rob Parker and Michael Withers both have ginger moustaches so they're taking a lot of stick.
"All our coaching staff have opted for the handlebar look although Brian Noble bottled it after a week.
"Mine's barely growing so I've got a good chance of winning."
