Mick Potter insists the Bulls will face championship contenders Warrington with renewed belief after grinding out an 8-8 draw at Catalan Dragons.

The stalemate maintained Bradford’s unbeaten Super League record in Perpignan and ended an unwanted run of three straight defeats.

Coming on the back of a heart-breaking 30-22 loss to arch-rivals Leeds, Potter was proud of his side’s resolve under pressure.

“You always go out to try and win and you try to win every game,” said the Bulls boss. “But even though we didn’t get a win, we got a point, so it just creeps us up a little bit.

“More importantly it shows we’ve got a good mentality about us to withstand a barrage and hopefully that’ll leave us in good stead for next week.

“Defensively it makes me more confident going into the Warrington game because they’re very potent with their attack.

“If they’re on song they’re very difficult to stop so it will build some confidence for next week.”

A major talking point prior to kick-off was Potter’s decision to hand 17-year-old John Bateman a senior debut.

The highly-rated back-rower only signed professional terms last year, turning down a host of Super League rivals in the process, but didn’t look out of place at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

And Potter promised there will be more to come.

He said: “He’s an up and coming player. It was a good week to give him a go.

“He’s been performing very well in the under-20s for the last six or seven weeks so he was rewarded with a game.

“I don’t think that’ll be the last we’ll see of him.”

Potter also reserved praise for full back Shad Royston, who put in a man-of-the-match display that included three try-saving tackles.

The former Halifax star has responded well since being left out of the team for the trip to Salford nine days ago, providing solid performances against both Leeds and the Dragons.

Potter added: “Shad came up with a couple of real try-savers for us and was safe under the high ball.

“He supported really well and carried the ball too so I’m happy with him but he’s going to have to do that job for a few weeks yet.”