Kurt Haggerty backs Bradford Bulls 'scrappers' to prove they belong in Super League
Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty believes his "scrappers" have the steel to last the pace on their return to Super League.
The Bulls have made a promising start to their second coming, following a narrow defeat at Hull FC with victory over Catalans Dragons on a special night at Odsal.
Bradford have wasted no time proving doubters wrong, something Haggerty acknowledges is fuelling their fire.
"It was the first game back at Odsal and there was a lot of emotion," he said, reflecting on Friday's 28-10 win.
"I had to be very careful about how much I let the lads into it to make sure we still won the game.
"We've certainly got a siege mentality. We're having to fight in every game. We call ourselves 'the scrappers'. That's the mentality we've got."
Haggerty's team had to dig deep in the second half to withstand a Catalans fightback, while they have also shown their attacking intent with enterprising play in the opening two rounds.
Bradford scored some dazzling tries at the MKM Stadium and found a way to hurt the Dragons despite the smaller dimensions of the Odsal pitch.
Haggerty has been encouraged by the way the Bulls have quickly adapted to his methods.
"We're only two rounds in," he said. "We're not getting carried away.
"But I've brought a philosophy to the club and the lads have bought in fantastically. We showed it at various stages at Hull and we showed we're willing to play and move the ball here at Odsal.
"We've shown we believe we can play our style, no matter which pitch we're on."
Bradford's glory days may be a long way behind them but the club's promotion back to Super League has generated excitement in the city, as evidenced by the youthful faces in the crowd.
The Bulls registered an attendance of 9,992 – an impressive figure for a home game against a team with a sparse away following.
Asked for a message to supporters, Haggerty said: "Please keep coming back.
"We're putting a brand of rugby on the field that looks a bit different. I hope they enjoyed it and come back to support us every week.
"I'd tell them to strap in because we've got a rollercoaster coming. But come and enjoy it – it's only going to get better."