Steve McNamara insists he is not worried by the Bulls “firing blanks” after their shock home loss against Huddersfield Giants.
Bradford are still awaiting their first Super League win of the season following last night’s 16-12 derby defeat.
For the second game running, they struggled to find any cohesiveness with the ball and were made to pay.
Ecstatic Huddersfield picked up their first league success at Odsal since 1969 to send their supporters home delirious but Bulls fans were more concerned by their side’s lack of creativity.
They were not aided when scrum half Paul Deacon had to leave early in the second half with a head wound, while concussed hooker Wayne Godwin also departed at the break.
“We had some disruptions throughout the game which threw us off track a bit but we needed to do a bit better to win it,” said McNamara.
“They tried very hard. I can’t fault the effort at all but we still look a bit rusty, there’s no two ways about it.
“We’re still firing blanks offensively and it’s disappointing for everyone involved we’ve not started with two from two but I’m still very confident and optimistic about the season.
“Certainly, within the group and myself, we believe we’ll be a very good side by the time we finish this year. It’s certainly not dipped our confidence whatsoever.”
The Bulls had failed to break down Hull KR a fortnight ago when they had to settle for a 13-13 draw.
They erred on the side of caution last night as Deacon kicked three successive penalties to put them 6-0 up in the opening quarter but McNamara maintained that was not down to a lack of confidence.
He said: “It’s just the fact we’ve not played any games. We’ve not managed to get going, so when you get in those positions you’re taking those points to get the scoreboard up, running and moving.”
Meanwhile, Huddersfield boss Nathan Brown said: “The effort was sensational. We were not bright. There are a lot of things to learn but, as far as commitment goes, they can be proud.
“The other team had enough penalties and ball to win three or four games, yet we still scored three tries to one.”
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