Sammut backed to bounce back from Headingley horror

The Australian stand-off made a series of costly mistakes as Bradford lost 34-16 against Leeds Rhinos on Friday – only their first defeat in four games since entering administration.

Every time Sammut made an error, the champions seemed to profit with a try and his problems escalated when switched to full-back, Brett Kearney having gone off in the first half with concussion.

“That was a big factor losing a player of his stature,” said Potter, who was a No 1 during his playing career. “We had to move Jarrod back to full-back where he has played before.

“But he would have said he had a seven out of 10 game when we needed Jarrod to be getting nine.

“I know the feeling (on expensive mistakes) as I have been there and done that myself.

“It’s not good but he’ll bounce back; Jarrod’s a top-line player and potential match-winner.

“Not against Leeds but next week might be different.”

Bradford, who are hoping to find new owners before Friday’s deadline for liquidation, travel to Warrington Wolves on Sunday.

Potter knows his side must be more clinical on attack after failing to strike when, trailing 18-6 midway through the second period, Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield was sin-binned.

“We couldn’t build enough pressure and need to finish our sets off a bit better,” added the Australian.

“That was the difference. Defensively, we’re just about there with our balance of aggression and covering edge plays pretty well.

“But in attack, we’ve got more in us. We came up with some uncharacteristic errors at the wrong time against Leeds and need to work on our skill before Warrington.

“It should have been a two, four or six-point game at Headingley, as it was tougher than the scoreline looked, but a few errors cost us 18 points.”

On the club’s delicate state, the ABC consortium is due to renew talks with administrator Brendan Guilfoyle and the RFL today in a bid to reach a deal to purchase Bradford.

Potter, still working for free after being made redundant by Guilfoyle, said: “I don’t honestly know what the end result is going to be. I’m hoping it will be favourable as a lot of people want Bradford Bulls in Super League. For the few who don’t, everyone is entitled to their opinion.”

While Sammut struggled, Rhinos’ full-back Zak Hardaker prospered with another dazzling display.

The ex-Featherstone centre, 20, recently switched there in the absence of the injured Brent Webb but kept his spot despite the New Zealander’s recovery.

Assistant coach James Lowes admitted: “He’s playing with freedom at full-back and he’s enjoying it. I believe he was a full-back as a junior so he’s very comfortable there and he’s excelling in the position at the moment.”