Wigan Warriors v Bradford Bulls: Belief not an issue for Kurt Haggerty's side amid challenging period
BRADFORD BULLS head coach Kurt Haggerty insists belief inside the camp remains intact despite back-to-back heavy defeats.
The Bulls enjoyed a promising start to their second spell as a Super League club but have lost their last four games amid an injury crisis, shipping 100 points in sobering outings against Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR.
But Haggerty struck an optimistic tone ahead of Saturday's trip to Wigan Warriors, who have their own issues after four successive Super League losses.
"There's no change for us," he said. "We've prepared to win.
"They're a big team, they're physical and have still got a lot of quality and class out there. We're going to have to be at our very best to beat them.
"I think we've shown in every single game we've played, whether we've been at Odsal or away from home, that we bounce into every stadium like we believe we can win. That will never change."
Bradford last tasted success when Huddersfield Giants visited Odsal in mid-March – a third straight home victory at the time.
Despite the winless run, Haggerty has not had to work hard to keep spirits up.
"It's not needed in our environment," he said.
"The lads are brilliant. They come to work every day, work hard and have fun but they're held to account and we're honest with each other.
"There's no shortage of smiles on our faces in this environment."
Bradford dipped back into the recruitment market this week to sign Ben McNamara on loan from Leigh Leopards, giving Haggerty a half-back partner for Chris Atkin.
The injury problems have also created opportunities within the existing group, with Ethan Ryan stepping up to captain the team against Hull KR in the unfamiliar position of full-back.
Haggerty was blown away by Ryan's performance in adversity.
"I thought individually that was one of the best performances I’ve seen in Super League," said the Bulls boss, who welcomes back experienced hooker Andy Ackers this week but has lost Jack Ormondroyd to a broken hand.
“For a team so low on bodies and lacking experience, I thought what he put in was of the level of an England player’s performance – and those were the words I used to him.
"He made around 25 carries, ran for over 250 metres and had two or three try-savers in there."