Few are better qualified to talk about Francis Cummins than Chev Walker, who has known the Bulls boss for the past 17 years.

They played together at Leeds and are currently enjoying their third season together at Bradford, albeit the dynamic has changed from team-mates to coach/player.

Following his appointment as the Bulls’ boss last September, Cummins spoke to his players about the need to invest in their careers.

He talked about the need for improvement from last year and what can be achieved with a collective desire.

Cummins’ message has clearly been heeded as the Bulls began this weekend in third spot after 11 rounds.

“The culture here has changed,” said Walker, who is enjoying an impressive renaissance this year after an excellent pre-season.

“Franny has really put his stamp on the club and what he wants from us as players and people.

“He questioned our attitude over the last couple of years.

“He knows the effort has been there but he has brought out the better side of us now and has us believing that we can all achieve something.

“Last year we took a step towards it. It was only the points deduction that stopped us making the play-offs.

“It’s been an 18-month progression but this year we’ve invested a lot of time in what we’re doing and seem to be reaping the benefits. But we’re not where we want to be at the minute.”

There is trust and there is undeniable progress.

“Trust is huge,” added 30-year-old Walker.

“Franny is that honest, he’ll tell you how it is and you won’t take offence. You know it’s in your best interests, not his.

“With him being as honest as he is, you try and match him and emulate what he’s doing.

“Franny’s a confident coach and you wouldn’t think it’s his first job.

“I’ve known him since I was 13 and always known he was going to be a great coach.

“He’s showing that now and the lads have bought into it. They believe in him and trust him.

“Not many coaches can manage the players the way he does.

“He’s got hold of us as blokes and worked a way of us fitting what he wants.”

Walker became a father, husband and turned 30 last year, and his happiness off the field is showing on it.

The former Great Britain man has produced a series of lung-bursting performances, primarily at loose forward, and scored his 100th career try in last week’s win at London.

However, he warned: “We’re striving for consistency and we’ve not achieved that yet.

“Until we do that, we’re not going to be taking the glory that has passed us by.

“Probably only Wigan and Huddersfield have looked really consistent.

“We’ve done a job on Huddersfield and we’ve got Wigan this weekend.

“I’m glad to have scored last week but it’s not going to make or break my season this year.

“It’s more important that I’m doing my job every minute that I can for the team.

“I’d actually played at Adams Park before – I made my rugby union debut there for Bath.”

Wigan are set to be close to full strength tomorrow but Walker declared: “That’s what you want.

“You’d hate to get a result against an understrength team and people say that’s the only reason you won.

“We’re hoping they’ve got their full team and we give the best account of ourselves.

“It’s all about testing yourself. We play a game which is about pride and challenging yourself against the best.”