Francis Cummins branded his team’s defensive display a “disgrace” as the Bulls shipped 12 tries during yesterday’s 66-10 home defeat to Castleford.

The head coach pointed an accusing finger at his players after Daryl Powell’s side ran amok during a horribly one-sided encounter at the Provident Stadium.

The Bulls at least get the opportunity to put things right when the Tigers return to Odsal for the Super League opener on February 16.

Cummins admitted: “It was poor and like we hadn’t even played a game together.

“It was probably the worst we’ve been for a couple of years but the good thing is that we play them again in two weeks’ time, so I can’t wait to put things right.

“If we defend like that though, we won’t beat Cas Panthers never mind Cas Tigers because our defence was a disgrace and they beat us hands down.”

Cummins revealed a sickness bug had swept through the camp before the match, ruling out Lee Gaskell and forcing Tom Olbison off during the opening quarter.

Jarrod Sammut was absent due to a knee injury and faces a scan today, while James Saltonstall and debutant Dale Ferguson also picked up knocks during the game.

Cummins, whose squad face the prospect of a possible points penalty from the Rugby Football League this week, said: “There are a lot of things going on but that’s not an excuse from the players or me because it wasn’t acceptable.

“There has been a few words said in there already but it’s about recognising situations as professionals and improving next time you take to the field.

“The good thing is that we have got two weeks to prepare now and it’s going to hurt the whole two weeks.

“You can’t defend like kids. It was ridiculous and the defence is the priority – but the attack wasn’t good enough either.

“There is a bit of sickness in the camp but we’ve got to dust ourselves off because we let ourselves down.”

Prop Garreth Carvell was rested but Cummins added: “Salty has hurt his hip and Dale hobbled off, so we’ll just have to see how they are.”

The Bulls are seeking to avoid a points deduction after OK Bulls Ltd was placed into administration last week.

The RFL are set to make a ruling in the coming days but Cummins said: “I’m not going to worry about a points deduction.

“We need to sort out rugby matters first and foremost and I’m not going to concern myself with anything that I can’t control.”

Warrington loanees Joe Philbin and Tom Walker are set to return to their parent club but Saltonstall could stay at Odsal.