Skipper Robbie Paul is hoping to take out five weeks of frustration on the Bulls' play-off rivals.

The Kiwi was sidelined after a frightening episode at Halifax in early August and only made his return at Hull last weekend, but that could be bad news for the others.

"I was very frustrated for five weeks but I now have the chance to take out all that frustration and invest it into energy on the field," says the Bulls' top try scorer with 18 touchdowns.

"I was really enjoying my rugby and scoring a few tries which always helps. I was working well off a number of different players and it is important now I get back into that groove.

"Whether I am in the side this week or on the bench I will be doing my utmost to help the cause."

His return at the Boulevard was a welcome sight for coach Matthew Elliott and Paul says it was crucial ahead of the season's climax to get 80 minutes under his belt.

"The ribs stood up to it, no problem whatsoever," he says. "In the first five minutes I must admit I was a little self-conscious about the ribs but we were constantly on the back foot and there was so much tackling to do I just forgot about the injury.

"I had to spend a little time on the wing at the end of the game because Matty saw my lungs were hanging out, but I'm raring to go now.

"Even though we lost the game it was a bit of a personal victory because it was great to get back out on the field and be able to mix it with the rest after five weeks on the sidelines.

"Now I don't have to worry about my ribs and lungs because I know my fitness is okay. All I get to worry about now is the play-offs and what we set our sights on at the start of the season.

"To be honest, we expected to finish first but plenty of teams set out with that as their aim. Third is certainly better than finishing sixth.

"We believe that if we are on our game, no matter who we come up against in this competition, we cannot be beaten. That is the self-belief that any successful team has to have.

"Last year's Grand Final disappointment was the catalyst for the success we have already had this season. I have to admit we did lose that desire and that commitment after the Challenge Cup final and I think people saw that in a couple of our perfromances.

"But lucklily enough we now have the opportunity to re-focus and remember the disappointment of last year. Finishing third has probably given us the kick-up the backside we need.

"Saints are not going to play as badly as they did last week.

"They have a classy team and we just can't see them not being on their best form. We have prepared this week for that scenario."