JOE Philbin has revealed how "tunnel vision" is guiding the Bulls towards a top-four finish.

Rohan Smith's men climbed above Halifax and into fourth place following Sunday's thumping home win over Oldham.

They now head to Featherstone knowing that victory would seal their spot in the end-of-season lottery against the four Super League sides.

Warrington loanee Philbin insists Bradford have not been bothered by the recent results of their close rivals.

The forward said: "We have never once said that we need this result or that result.

"We've got that tunnel vision where we are just focusing on ourselves and what we need to do.

"Our fate is in our hands and we know that if we beat Featherstone then we are in the top four – where we belong."

Philbin is enjoying his loan spell at Odsal but is contracted to Tony Smith’s men for next year as things stand.

Having scored against Whitehaven and Oldham in the past two games, the 21-year-old admitted: "I’m loving my time here to be honest.

"The boys here are class and I’ve fitted in really well.

"I’m getting some regular rugby and hopefully I will get a few more games here."

After conceding two tries against Oldham and three the week before when Whitehaven were in town, Philbin admits tightening up defensively is a priority ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash.

Jay Pitts will return after being rested against Oldham while other players could also come into contention after several weeks on the sidelines.

Philbin added: "We gave away a few soft tries against Whitehaven and that can punish you in other games.

"Oldham scored more from kicks but that's something we need to work on this week."