JAMES Clare is convinced there is not a major gulf in class between the Championship and Super League.

The Bulls are aiming to bridge the divide again next year as they go in search of promotion following last season's heartbreak.

Jimmy Lowes' side lost to Wakefield in the Million Pound Game to be denied an immediate return to the top flight.

During the Qualifiers last term, the Bulls' win over Salford and Sheffield's victory against Wakefield marked the only two occasions that Championship sides overcame Super League opposition.

Yet Clare defiantly declared: "Not going up wasn't ideal but I don't think the Championship is that far away from Super League anyway.

"The games in the Qualifiers showed that and we picked up a big win against Salford, so I don't think the gulf is that great.

"There is a top half of the Championship who are there or thereabouts and then the bottom half who are still struggling.

"For me personally, I think it's probably going to be a blessing in disguise in that it's a chance to play regular games, build confidence ahead of the Super 8s next year and do the business."

Clare impressed at full back and on the wing following his mid-season arrival from Castleford.

He is keen to force his way into Lowes' plans in 2016, adding: "I remember Jimmy saying to me that he likes to stick with his main team once he has decided what it is.

"At the start of the year, he will play about with a few things but once he has got his heart set on a team, he likes to go with it and build consistency with that main team.

"I want to get my foot in the door and hold down a spot.

"It's swings and roundabouts – you get a consistency of performance by playing the same team but at the same time, it's not that 17 who will get you promoted.

"It's probably the same 25 because there are going to be injuries and a lack of form from some players at certain points in the season.

"It's that rotation which is key and it will be interesting to see how Jimmy handles that because every single player in the squad wants to be in that starting line-up."