Paul Deacon is hoping that the Bulls shake off their Jekyll and Hyde nature on Sunday at home to Hudders-field Giants.

The diminutive scrum half is still baffled by their display last weekend when they lost 35-32 at Warrington Wolves - the Bulls' fifth reverse in nine Engage Super League matches.

Deacon, who has made 188 Super League appearances for the Odsal club, said: "I have never known us be so different from one half to another as we were last weekend.

"We didn't get off the bus in the first half, and Nobby (coach Brian Noble) told us in no uncertain terms at half-time, but we were a different team in the second half.

"We played some superb rugby but we had left ourselves with too much to do."

As for facing the Giants this weekend, the 26-year-old smiled and said: "It does not get any easier.

"I saw them play against Wigan the other day and they played really well.

"They have a good structure and have a good defence and are tough to break down."

Deacon added: "Our defence has just not been up to scratch. One reason perhaps is because the opposition are bigger and faster than they used to be - they are just better athletes in general.

"It would be great to win to ease the pressure."

Centre Matt Cook has missed out on the Bulls' 20-man squad through illness. But of his fellow youngsters, winger Andy Smith, full back Nicky Saxton and second row Brett Ferres have all been included.