Smarts not size will be key to a dominant Bulls pack.

Although they lack the sheer power of previous Bradford sides, Steve McNamara believes his current crop can control games using their heads.

After losing a major strike weapon when Sam Burgess departed for Australia in the off-season, the forwards have been forced to adapt, giving a glimpse of their potential in last week’s 41-22 win against Castleford.

They combined incredible workrate with an ability to hit gaps and the odd touch of understated class to make the backs’ jobs much easier.

But, faced by the prospect of a tight game at Salford tonight (8pm), they will once more be central to chances of success.

“I thought the pack were very good,” said McNamara.

“There were some outstanding contributions when you look at the numbers.

“But it wasn’t just the workload but the quality within that workload. The intent they started the game off with was there to be seen and it gave the halves an opportunity to play.

“This pack certainly isn’t built on sheer size.

“The one huge lad we had, Sam Burgess, isn’t with us any more and the one player we signed in that area, Danny Sculthorpe, is injured.

“We’ve got some strong people, we’ve got some powerful people but they need to play together, for each other and with each other. They certainly did that last Friday.”

Following victory against Castleford, McNamara was quick to urge caution.

He added: “Just as we didn’t get too down within the group over the losses, we certainly won’t get too high.

“We understand we need to back that up and back it up consistently. Until then we’re still repaying.

“The players are fully aware of that, they’ve been reminded and I think they’ve reminded themselves.”