ROHAN Smith could not hide his delight after an understrength Bulls side battered Oldham 48-4 to move into the top four.

Smith was missing around a dozen first-choice players but Bradford outclassed Scott Naylor’s part-timers with plenty to spare.

Fringe men such as Johnny Campbell, Jonny Walker and Lucas Walshaw came in from the cold to make their mark as Smith’s men ran in nine tries.

Head coach Smith said: “As far as shifting players around, we actually picked the best team we had available.

“They did a fantastic job, particularly the players who haven’t played for a considerable amount of time.

“I thought they added a lot of energy and Johnny Campbell started the game really well for us.

“Walshaw had some really good carries in what was his first ream game for a while, as did Jonny Walker, plus young Ethan Ryan backed up well from the weekend.

“I think it was the squad who brought the effort to the team tonight.

“We had some good discipline and there was a lot of composure with the skill we showed.

“I thought it was a good hard game despite the scoreline. It was a good hit-out and I’ve had a look at everyone now, which is pleasing.

“I’m getting closer to my best 17 and people are putting their hands up but it’s about performing consistently, not fleetingly.”

Attention now turns to Sunday’s crunch visit of third-placed Batley, who the Bulls will overtake if they emerge victorious this weekend.

The only negative was a groin injury to Oscar Thomas, while Alex Mellor was forced off in the first half with a facial injury.

Smith said: “Oscar had a bit of a tight groin at half-time but said he was okay to continue and I thought he had a really pleasing performance.

“I asked him to take the line on and he was very active in doing that in the first half in particular.

“Alex got a nasty cut under his chin but the doctor has done a really good job in stitching him up.”

Lewis Charnock impressed again with another try and was withdrawn in the second half with Sunday’s game in mind.

Smith said: “Lewis played really well and had done enough, so it was just about getting him ready for the weekend.”