Chris Nero scored twice as Bradford brought Challenge Cup finalists Huddersfield down to earth in the engage Super League on Sunday.

Nero's double against his former club came as the Bulls took charge of a tight contest at the Galpharm Stadium with a four-try burst in the first half.

Huddersfield, who reached Wembley with a superb semi-final win over St Helens last week, fought back through Scott Moore and Danny Kirmond late on but the Bulls held firm.

Michael Platt and Paul Sykes also touched down for the visitors while Paul Deacon kicked six goals.

All but four of the Bulls' points came in the first half in a scintillating spell of play that would grace the play-offs.

Their chances of reaching the top eight, however, remain slim while Huddersfield, after winning their six previous league games to sit third, can put the loss down to a cup hangover.

They had seen little sign of that in the early stages.

Indeed, Huddersfield made a perfect start and pieced together a move reminiscent of a couple from the semi-final to go ahead after two minutes.

Kevin Brown's bouncing kick was palmed back into play by David Hodgson and the ball was scooped up for Stephen Wild to find Brett Hodgson, who weaved his way over.

Brett Hodgson added the conversion and the Giants looked set to add to their lead as Jamahl Lolesi sent Luke Robinson clear but the scrum-half was caught close to the line.

But Huddersfield's creativity was bettered by Bradford, who responded powerfully.

The Bulls sparked into life after Platt leapt to take down a hanging cross-field kick from Sykes and score.

From then on the visitors looked a more confident outfit and they switched play from left to right and back again on one play to claim a second try, Glenn Morrison setting up Nero from a Dave Halley long pass.

A third try quickly followed as Rikki Sheriffe cut in from the right wing and Morrison sent Sykes over.

Bradford's determination as Sam Burgess hit opposing prop Darrell Griffin with a ferocious tackle.

Nero then claimed his second after another good move involving Sykes and Steve Menzies to gives the Bulls a 24-6 lead at half-time.

Huddersfield's problems worsened as Moore was sin-binned early in the second half for a late challenge on Deacon. Bradford eased downfield and Deacon added two more points after another penalty was awarded in front of the posts for Griffin's off-the-ball tackle on Halley.

The Moore incident was also placed on report by referee Phil Bentham but the Giants held out for their 10 minutes with 12 men.

And Moore made an immediate impact on his return to the field as he ran up in support of a Brown break and scored by the posts.

The game became a bit fractious as Bradford tried to protect their lead and Benson was lenient when a scuffle broke out after Semi Tadulala tugged Eorl Crabtree's ponytail.

Huddersfield stepped up the pressure and got themselves back within eight points as Kirmond crashed over from close range and Brett Hodgson kicked his third goal.

The game was just beyond them, and Deacon wrapped up matters with a late penalty.