Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott has promised a more expansive approach from his side as they bid to get their Grand Final bid back on track against arch rivals Leeds Rhinos on Saturday.

His side have been criticised in recent weeks for the way they have appeared to shut up shop after edging ahead in games and not attempting to land the knock-out punches.

It proved particularly costly in the heartbreaking last-ditch defeat at St Helens on Friday, meaning the Bulls can afford no more slips in their bid to complete a Super League and Challenge Cup double.

"We have had a long chat about it and believe we have been a little too conservative with our approach recently," admitted Elliott.

"I'm not saying we will be going out and throwing the ball everywhere. It's a matter of striking the right balance, but we need to try to make the most of all our strengths as a side.

"We were the top points scorers in Super League so I am confident we have the personnel to do the job.

"Our season would have been so much different had four seconds against Wigan or St Helens gone a little differently but it's just important now that we learn from those lessons and don't make the same mistakes again if it comes down to another tight finish."

Elliott reports "one or two bumps and bruises" but nothing that is likely to affect his team selection.

David Boyle, Justin Brooker and Lee Radford were all left out of the side that faced the Saints and are in contention, but Elliott is unlikely to reveal his hand until just before kick-off.

"One thing I do need to look at is the balance on the bench," admitted Elliott who went in with two backs and two forwards against Saints.

With the exception of Jamie Mathiou (shoulder) and Paul Sterling (knee), the Rhinos came through Saturday's victory against Castleford unscathed.

Sterling limped off in the second half of Leeds' 22-14 win with a knee problem, while Mathiou finished the match with a shoulder problem.

However, neither are thought to be too serious and Rhinos officials are hoping that both will be fit in time.

The Rhinos' Aussie back-rower David Barnhill seems unlikely to figure having being left out against the Tigers.

The former New South Wales State of Origin forward yesterday announced he was leaving Headingley at the end of the season - half-way through a two-year contract.