Potter accepts his Bulls fell way short

The defending Super League champions, who face Leeds in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final, emerged injury free and warmed up for Wembley in style with a 60-12 rout of Bradford at the DW Stadium on Friday night.

Winger Pat Richards grabbed a hat-trick to make amends for an off day with the boot while full-back Sam Tomkins strengthened his lead at the top of the Super League try chart by scoring twice to take his tally to 26.

“I thought the guys tried but we just didn’t get the ball in the second half,” said their coach Mick Potter. “I’ve got to say they sit at the top of the table for a reason. They’re a complete footie team.

“If we are going to give them that much possession, we need to be much better in our defence.”

Bradford lost scrum half Marc Herbert with a broken hand and winger Patrick Ah Van with a neck injury as a fifth defeat in six matches finally ended their mathematical hopes of a play-off spot.

The consolation for Potter was the performance of 18-year-old Bateman, who marked his second Super League appearance with his first try.

“John’s a good up-and-coming player and I expect you’ll see him more in the teamsheet in the future,” he said. “He’s got a great attitude. We need to bring more of that type of player through.”