Forget the sins of the Bulls’ Super League season, Sunday offers a shot at redemption.

The odds of a Challenge Cup upset against Wigan may seem slim but the unique appeal of rugby league’s oldest competition is greater than ever.

Set against the struggles of the past month, knock-out football offers a welcome opportunity to escape the endless grind of the league schedule.

Everything rests on one game. It’s win or go home and there are no second chances on offer.

But, with nothing to lose, that scenario could help bring the best out of the ailing Bulls. It has to, as the Challenge Cup is looking increasingly likely to be their only shot at silverware this season.

Reflecting on the first half of the campaign, the verdict is simple: not good enough.

In fact, recent performances have fallen so far below expected standards even the most wildly optimistic supporters are sipping their matchday beer from a half-empty glass.

Defeat at Hull KR was another slap to the chops for anyone holding out hope of a play-off place and another round of ammunition for the dissenters, whose voices have become increasingly vocal week by week.

Rovers approached the game stuck in a rut of their own but were given a helpful leg-up by the generous Bulls defence – the same defence that presented Championship strugglers Halifax as a potent attacking force just a week previous.

Lacking in aggression and precision, the defence has consistently failed to stand up to even the least demanding of tests.

Structures and plans worked out in training often seem to be forgotten within minutes of walking out on the field.

Bradford may hold out for four or five tackles but rarely do they complete a defensive set without making at least one error.

Instead of getting in the opposition’s faces, forcing mistakes and closing space, tacklers are too often passive, giving up easy yardage and quick play-the-balls.

Hull KR made almost 500 metres more than the Bulls during Sunday’s 46-18 defeat, had more breaks and committed less errors, even though they completed a lower percentage of their total tackles.

The problems are particularly acute on the edges, which will come under close scrutiny from a Wigan side loaded with strike players.

Bradford’s outside backs contributed ten of the total 28 missed tackles at Craven Park and, as a result, six of Rovers’ eight tries came out wide. Centre Kris Welham was able to break the line at will en route to a hat-trick.

A lack of dominance at the ruck has also proved costly, allowing opponents to get a roll on and catch the defensive line before it has had a chance to adapt any kind of structure.

Chances of beating Wigan rely on being able to beat – or at least match – the masters at their own game. To do that will require aggression and communication.

Too many players have been thinking as individuals rather than a collective but the siege mentality forged by recent results and the pressure of knock-out rugby could help to sharpen minds.

This isn’t the Bulls’ last shot at redemption but it’s getting far too close for comfort.

A solid performance, as much as a result, would be a step in the right direction.

If the Bulls want to turn around their season, it has to happen now.