JIMMY Lowes insists the Bulls must be up for mind games in their bid for instant promotion back to Super League.

The squad return to Odsal this morning to begin the second stage of their pre-season programme building up to the Championship campaign.

Lowes will constantly remind his players that they will be the team to be shot at every week when the action kicks off in February – and they have to be strong enough mentally to handle that hype and expectation.

The Bulls coach cites the example of his beloved Leeds United after they slipped into football's third tier in 2007 and took two seasons to scramble their way back.

Lowes said: "Everyone will want to play at Odsal and everyone will want to beat us. You've got to understand that.

"I don't think Leeds United were ready (when they were relegated). You've got to be right to play everybody every week with a target on our backs, or however you want to dress it up.

"I don't think Leeds were prepared to do that. They thought they had that right just to go straight back up.

"It's all about mentality. You've got to get everything right and these guys have to understand the balance.

"It comes from doing some mental challenges and tough training. You need to get all those factors right and then be ready for every game day."