McNamara is demanding an intensive effort to keep Wolves from Bulls' door

Defeat against Warrington Wolves this evening would signal a fifth straight loss and, having slipped down to seventh in Super League, he acknowledges his injury-hit side have to quickly remedy their mounting problems.

The last time they ventured out at Odsal they were hammered 52-6 by Huddersfield and that was followed by a 44-20 defeat at Crusaders last Sunday.

Their task does not get any easier with the visit of Tony Smith's side, who edged Bradford out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup three weeks ago, and are bearing down on league leaders Wigan.

"We're aware we've lost our last four games and in two of those, even though we don't like losing, our performances were acceptable," said McNamara, Leeds being their other conquerors in a tight contest at Odsal.

"Our intensity and tenacity were very good but the last two games have been the opposite of that and we're all very embarrassed by our performances in those games.

"We are a much better side than that.

"We know we have to increase our intensity levels. You can accept results when you have invested a lot of effort but you can't accept what we have done in the last two games and we need to put it right."

Bradford's dip in form has coincided with the loss of star scrum-half Matt Orford who – amid increased speculation he is seeking a return to Australia – was this week ruled out for the rest of the season due to shoulder surgery.

Consequently, Cain Southernwood, who represented England Academy in France last week, could soon make his Super League bow with McNamara, already missing injured captain Andy Lynch and Jamie Langley, and with Michael Platt completing a suspension, again calling upon the club's youngsters to perform.

Wakefield coach John Kear is looking forward to the prospect of new signing Julien Rinaldi bringing some organisation to his troubled side in Perpignan tonight.

The Wildcats have won just once in their last eight games and proved rudderless against Wigan without playmakers Ben Jeffries and Tevita Leo-Latu.

Hooker Rinaldi, 31, has arrived on loan from Villeneuve and Kear admitted: "We've taken some prompt action and got someone over who we feel will offer something very positive in a crucial department."

Makeshift stand-off Dean Widders says Castleford Tigers are ready to grab their play-offs lifeline at Salford tomorrow.

A narrow 24-20 victory over bottom-placed Catalans on Tuesday evening has kept them in sight of the top eight.

"If we'd have lost, that would have been our season over," said Widders, who has helped spark Terry Matterson's side following his recent return from injury.

"It was scrappy but sometimes you need that sort of win before you can go on and really play and that's what we'll be looking to do at Salford."