Brian Noble today promised Bulls fans: We will soon be hitting top gear.

Despite having to come from behind in three of their five games this season, the Bulls coach (pictured) is happy with the way his side are progressing given the current injury crisis.

Bradford have trained with as many as ten players missing from sessions over the past two weeks and this has been reflected in indifferent performances.

They have been slow out of the blocks in their two Challenge Cup ties against Super League opposition and the Odsal Homecoming was nearly spoiled after Wakefield held a surprise half-time lead.

But, the opening day defeat to Saints aside, Noble is happy with the way the Bulls have progressed.

"We have been caught early in games with some sucker punch stuff that doesn't normally affect us," said Noble, whose side take on Halifax this week in search of their second Super League win of the season.

"But there is nothing that is not fixable. We have responded well under pressure and we have had a good mental application.

"There have been too many unforced errors in the first halves of games and we can't do that. But they have come back.

"The reality is that it is very early in the season and there is still plenty of room for improvement.

"We have had a lot of disruption with all the injuries and I have yet to name the same side from one game to the next.

"But I am pleased with the resilience of the players."

With so many key personnel missing out, Noble has had to rely on a number of players filling in out of position.

Karl Pratt has lived up to his utility status, appearing in three different positions while Stuart Reardon, normally a centre, has played full back and wing in his two Super League starts for Bradford.

"A number of players have been very flexible for us," said Noble, who himself played in a number of different positions for Bradford Northern over the years, including even prop!

"You still require the specialists in their respective positions, but in the similar ones you need to players to be able to fill in where required."

Noble, who was without 11 players for training on Monday, is hoping the injury crisis will ease as his side prepare for their Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday, April 13 against Wigan Warriors.

"There are still three matches before then," he added.

"And I expect a lot of players to have played themselves into top form by then. We are improving each week and that is what pleases me.

"The players are obviously listening and learning from their mistakes."

As reported in later editions of the Telegraph & Argus yesterday the semi-final against Wigan will take place at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium, with a 2pm kick-off.