STEVE Ferres has urged the Bulls' stay-away fans to turn up this weekend and generate the kind of bumper crowd he says is vital to the club's survival.

Jimmy Lowes' side host Widnes on Sunday aiming for a third win in four Super 8s qualifying games and another step towards promotion.

Managing director Ferres is hoping for a crowd of 7,000 and wants lapsed supporters who have not been regular visitors to Odsal this year to start coming back.

"Our fans were vociferous against Salford and they've been outstanding away from home – but there is still that section who haven't been to see what we are all about this season," he said.

"The fact that we're playing Super League opposition is a great opportunity for them to have a look at what we're showcasing.

"We are fighting to get into Super League, Widnes are battling to stay in Super League – so it's effectively a cup final, as is every game in these middle eights, and we're going to give it everything we've got.

"But we need the fans to play their part by giving us that edge, which the players enjoy. I just hope we get a lot more of that section who have sat on the fence and waited to see where we are going.

"The club needs these extra people to survive and take the business forward. If we can get above 7,000 this weekend, it would be fantastic."

After being relegated last season, the Bulls have enjoyed healthy crowds in the Championship with an average gate above the 5,000 mark.

"I think we have demonstrated this year that we are one of the clubs in the game who can still pull a crowd," said Ferres.

"If Sunday's game was a top-four battle with Leeds in Super League, I'm sure we would be getting 15,000 to 20,000. That's what we've got to get back to because it makes such a big difference.

"This business needs the club to be in Super League because, as I've said from day one, it's a mammoth task to overcome Super League teams who are spending £800,000 more than you.

"That's why we need all these other supporters to come along with the existing fans."

Widnes are aiming to bounce back from defeat to Hull KR last time out and Ferres warned: "They will be on their mettle because if we beat them then we go above them. Then, all of a sudden, their position becomes tenuous.

"Each game is getting harder and more intense, so we've got to match that intensity that Widnes will bring.

"But the way we completed our sets against Salford showed there is a lot of football in the side, which is something we've believed all season.

"The Salford performance set a standard and we have got to maintain that now. The target is to win all our remaining games and if we do that, then we will get promoted."

The Bulls will assess the fitness of Lee Gaskell, Harry Siejka and Matt Ryan ahead of Sunday's game but Jake Mullaney looks certain to feature.