Coach Matthew Elliott has pledged that Bradford Bulls will learn from last season's mistakes and be an even stronger force in Super League V.

The Bulls suffered Grand Final heartbreak last October when they were pipped 8-6 by St Helens in the closing minutes after dominating the game.

But speaking at the club's annual Super League launch at the Cedar Court Hotel yesterday, attended by over 300 invited guests from the business community, Elliott said the hard luck stories were playing no part in the side's pre-season preparations.

At the time the Bulls felt harshly done by after Leon Pryce had a second-half try ruled out by the video referee for an alleged knock-on by Michael Withers in the build-up.

"Of course we were all bitterly disappointed but to keep replaying the video of the incident involving Michael and Leon would be to miss the point somewhat," he said.

"We made a lot of wrong decisions that night ourselves and ultimately it was that which cost us the Super League title. While we performed well all season there are areas which we need to improve in and we are working hard to do just that."

Elliott is also promising a more open style of play than in previous years.

"In terms of our playing style I think it is time for us to move on. I thought there were some encouraging signs that the changes were beginning to show through last weekend.

"There will be more risk taking involved but I think the players we have are more than capable of carrying it off."

Meanwhile, Super League supremo Ian Robson has insisted that clubs are prepared to enter the new season without a major sponsor rather than sell the game short.

With the new campaign just a fortnight away, League officials are fast running out of time if they are to fill the void created by JJB Sports' decision not to renew their two-year contract which ran out at the end of last season.

Acting chief executive Robson, who stepped into the shoes of Maurice Lindsay last October, revealed that Super League had turned down sponsorship offers and confirmed that talks had been held with high-profile companies Kellogg's and BT.

He said: "But the clubs have taken the longer-term view. We're not prepared simply to throw it up to Leeds market and say 'first in, best dressed, two for a quid'."

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