Former Hull favourite Steve McNamara helped the Bulls gets back on track with victory over his old club, and then spoke of the determination to launch a strong defence of their Super League crown.

Man of the match McNamara was in inspirational form with a hand in two tries and seven goals from eight attempts as the champions romped to a 38-18 victory over a highly competitive Sharks side.

"We did not fire on all cylinders again, but if we continue to hang in there and then get some of our injured players back for the play-offs, I think we are in with a big shout."

The Bulls had made a disastrous start, going 12-0 behind in the opening five minutes, but McNamara said there was no panic in the squad.

"At half-time we just reiterated what we had to do. We felt we had done reasonably well to come back, and it was important we did not try and win the game in the first ten minutes of the second half.

"It was a hot night and we knew if we controlled the ball, eventually we would wear them down. In the last 20 minutes we really kicked on and showed what a good side we can be."

Coach Matthew Elliott, who had been under fire from a section of the fans last week after a dismal defeat by Sheffield, paid tribute to the hard work and commitment of the team.

"The really pleasing thing for me, and you scratch your head and wonder where it has been recently, was the character the players showed in adverse circumstances.

"Preparation had not been the best because of players not being able to train, and then Brian McDermott pulled out on the day of the game with a knee problem.

"But we came through all that, and if we can just add some more fluency, and it is my role to get that right, then I am feeling confident about the final five."

One additional injury concern ahead of Sunday night's visit to top-five rivals St Helens surrounds skipper Graeme Bradley, who took a heavy knock in the back which forced him to retire ten minutes into the second half.

The Bulls Academy side passed their biggest test of the season with a superb 24-14 victory over Hull in the curtain-raiser.

The win was based on fine performances by the Bulls back three, with Michael Banks, Sam Bibb and, particularly, Robert Parker outstanding.

Try-scorers were Paul Sykes (2), Lance Hamilton, Chris Redfearn, and Craig McDow-ell, who also landed two goals.

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