Elliott Whitehead believes the Bulls can bounce straight back to winning ways against Castleford this weekend.

Sunday’s 28-12 defeat at Hull FC condemned Francis Cummins’ men to their first loss of the season and served as a reality check after the opening-day annihilation of Wakefield.

Yet Whitehead is confident his side can quickly reproduce the form which saw them destroy the Wildcats as they gear up for successive Saturday home matches against Castleford and St Helens.

The homegrown second-rower said: “We didn’t get off to the best start at Hull – they got a few repeat sets and scored an early try.

“We worked our way back into the game and had chances but just didn’t take them.

“Castleford had a good win against Leeds at the weekend but we’re a strong group and we’ll prepare well this week.”

Whitehead, meanwhile, says he was delighted to be invited to be part of the England Knights squad who recently attended a get-together in Bury.

John Bateman and Luke Gale were also present as they continue their recovery from injury ahead of scheduled comebacks early next month.

Whitehead said: “I enjoyed it and hopefully I’ll get a game this year for the England Knights.

“I just want to play well for Bradford and hopefully Steve McNamara will take notice, pick me for the Knights and then for the World Cup later this year.”

Michael Platt will undergo a head test ahead of the Castleford match after suffering concussion and being withdrawn in the early stages of the defeat at Hull.