Robbie Paul admits Salford City Reds are preparing themselves for a traditional Bulls charge tonight.

The former Bradford star knows all about what makes them tick, having spent more than a decade at Odsal.

And he has warned his Salford team-mates to be ready for a backlash following their shock defeat against Celtic Crusaders.

“Bradford had a surprise loss last week and that makes them extremely dangerous,” said the Kiwi.

“I know from playing there for so long that you can never push a broken Bull into a corner – they come out fighting with their horns sharpened, nostrils flared and ready to go.

“We’d have liked the Bulls to have sailed through against Celtic to give them a false sense of security coming here but now we’re expecting them to come at us at 100 miles per hour; we’re preparing for them to be at their best.”

Newly-promoted Salford are second bottom but could leapfrog Bradford into 11th spot if they win at The Willows this evening.

They caused a shock of their own by beating another of Paul’s old clubs – Hudders-field Giants – on Sunday and head in with renewed confidence.

Paul, 33, said: “It’s an interesting game for both sides. We’re desperately trying to get some momentum. It’s all well and good winning one in four or five games as we have done but we want consistency.

“Early on we were getting beaten by 40 or 50 points and it’s taken us over two months to get up to speed with the pace of Super League.

“We’re able to compete with teams now though and have picked up victories.

“Now we’re looking for the consistency but the problem for us is we’re playing Bradford...”

After an opening-day victory against Celtic, Salford lost seven on the bounce before rallying over Easter with wins versus Warrington and Leeds.

But the veteran half-back maintains his former side are still one of the biggest threats in Super League despite their indifferent form this year.

“Bradford should have won the majority of their games and have often just ended up losing in the last ten minutes,” he said.

“I know what Steve (McNamara) is like though. He’s a great motivator and knows how to reach players one to one.

“I also know the class of athlete they have at Bulls and, even though I’ve been away three years, I still spend a lot of time there.

“The expectations of fans, admin staff, players and coaches is still great and they are all keen to get winning. We know what they can do.”

Paul won everything in his time at Odsal and expects McNamara to return them to their glory days – given time.

“Everyone wants instant success – we all do,” he added.

“But things happens gradually and Steve’s spent two years putting together his side.

“They are starting to gel and when they play like they did against Saints – with the defence and offence all coming together like that – they have shown what they can do.

“It doesn’t happen over night but if I was a Bulls supporter I’d be sure in the knowledge that if they can raise to the level which they have shown then they are going to be a great side.

“They just need patience and we have to make sure they don’t start against us.”