Steve McNamara has promised a tighter ship at Grattan Stadium this season.

The Bulls were one of the most attacking sides in Super League last year, scoring on average nearly 29 points per match.

That was more than eventual champions Leeds and second only to St Helens.

However, for all their prolific points hauls, Bradford also had the worst defence in the top six, leaking almost 21 points a game.

McNamara admitted: "I don't think we were really poor defensively but we conceded some very sloppy scores through sudden lapses in concentration.

"We'd be winning games and then just concede six or 12 points at the end.

"On some occasions we'd still get the victory but it just dampened things for us.

"Other times it really cost us. We want to stamp that out.

"Defensively this year, we need to be as clinical and ruthless as possible - then as sharp as tacks when we've got the ball."

Individual errors were to blame for many of Bradford's shortcomings last season but McNamara feels his new signings should create a much stronger core.

"There are reasons for those lapses but we're working hard on them," he said.

"We've got a squad together now that is potentially very potent attacking-wise but I also believe it will be far better defensively as well."

Meanwhile, the Bulls' home game with Harlequins on Easter Monday will kick off at 6pm to avoid clashing with City's afternoon fixture.

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