ADAM Sidlow reckons Sunday's defeat at Leigh proved the Championship is a "rough league" – and is expecting more of the same against Whitehaven this weekend.

Bulls prop Sidlow was in fine form during the 36-24 loss at the hands of Paul Rowley's side but admitted he was gutted by the result.

The former Salford player felt Leigh were guilty of "dodgy" tactics, which included illegal tackles to the knees. But he believes that kind of approach will be the norm now the Bulls are no longer in Super League.

Sidlow said: "It was a bit fiery out there on Sunday. It was a massive game for both clubs and we expected a bit of biff – and we've had a bit more actually.

"There were a couple of dodgy things that went on but it's all part and parcel of the game. That was expected because it's a rough league – rougher than Super League and also less expansive.

"But some of the stuff that went on – such as a couple of tackles through the back of the knees – there is no place in the game for that. It needs eradicating."

Bulls boss Jimmy Lowes has vowed that his team will right the wrongs of their second-half performance at Leigh Sports Village when they face Whitehaven on Sunday.

Sidlow admitted his side veered away from the game-plan as they surrendered a commanding 20-6 interval lead.

"We said at half-time 'we can't be complacent, it's only one half', but I think the words went in one ear and out the other," he said.

"I think we came out a bit complacent and Leigh did a number on us, so well done to them.

"I got some long minutes, and I thought I did okay, but I'm more bothered about the result. Playing well on a personal level is all well and good but I was more gutted about the outcome."

Sidlow has played in the Championship before and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Workington during the 2007 season, so he knows what approach Whitehaven are likely to take on Sunday.

He said: "It'll be more of the same, I would imagine. I've played against them in the Championship before, so I know what to expect.

"But I enjoy the physicality of the game because you get stuck into the opposition and they get stuck into you. It gives you a bit of a buzz."