Robbie Paul jets off to New Zealand for Test duty today heartened by the Bulls back- to-basics win over Wembley-bound Sheffield Eagles.

The champions got back on track with a hard earned 11-4 success at the Don Valley with the Kiwi star playing a key role and forging a promising partnership with Shaun Edwards.

Paul, who will be on the bench for the Anzac Test with Australia in Auckland on Friday, said: "I wanted to get a solid performance in before I went away just to give myself a little bit of confidence.

"This was a big game for our team as well. We needed to get back to winning ways. We have a lot of injuries but we wanted to show the strength of the squad.

"It was a dog fight and we don't really enjoy coming here but we came away with the win and that was our main aim."

But Paul, who resumed the captaincy in the injury absence of Graeme Bradley, admitted there was still much work to be done to restore the confidence and form of last season.

"It has been a problem for all of us getting used to Shaun's style of play. But Steve McNamara, Shaun and myself have been working hard to get our systems rights.

"But when we do get it right and we get Graeme and Jimmy Lowes back in the side I don't think there will be anyone who can touch us.

"It's a shame that I am going away this week because I miss out on the chance to work on things more but I am very proud to play for my country.

"We have a good squad and I am sure we will get over the problems."

Coach Matthew Elliott was delighted with many aspects but is anxiously awaiting further checks on goalkicking loose forward McNamara who retired early in the second-half with a rib injury.

Better news is that Lowes is certain to return at Hull next Sunday and centre Danny Peacock may also be available after a knee scan revealed no serious damage.

But Bradley was having his broken nose reset today and is not expected to figure until the home clash with St Helens on Sunday, May 10.

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