ROHAN Smith believes winning the Championship Shield would give the Bulls a much-needed “shot in the arm” as they seek to end a disappointing campaign on a high.

Smith’s men failed to make the Championship’s top four after losing at Featherstone last weekend, denying them the opportunity to fight for promotion.

But the ultra-positive head coach is looking ahead with optimism to the challenge of turning the Bulls into a serious force in 2017.

Smith accepts that lifting the Championship Shield would not erase the pain of missing out on the top four, but he believes it can bring a feelgood factor to the club.

Smith was speaking at the launch of the Super 8s at Old Trafford yesterday where the fixtures for the next seven weeks were announced.

The Bulls are aiming to claim their first piece of silverware in 10 years and begin their campaign with trip to Whitehaven on Sunday, August 7.

Smith said: “We want to get out there and play well in every game, so hopefully that can accumulate and we can win the competition.

“We’ll be taking each as it comes and will look forward to the trip to Whitehaven.

“I don’t know if winning the Championship Shield will be an antidote to missing out on the top four – you would have to ask the fans themselves for their take on that.

“But I certainly think it can be a good shot in the arm for everyone and something positive leading into pre-season, which is going to be a great opportunity for us to grow as a new roster with a new philosophy and new direction.

“During the next couple of months, it’s important that we take this opportunity to take some steps forward and put a smile back on the faces of the fans.

“I know the size of the Bradford Bulls and its stature as a brand.

“The performances and situations over the last few years don’t reflect the strength of the brand.

“My emotions are one of disappointment for the players and the staff who have been here a lot longer than me, and not least the supporters who have been really loyal to the club through a lot of heartache.

“I’ve really felt for those people over the last few days and I continue to feel for them.

“But I’m just looking forward now because you can’t look back. I’m just trying to do what I can to put some smiles back on their faces.”

Chairman Marc Green issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday night where he said the club intend to remain as a full-time operation in 2017.

Smith, who gave up his job as Gold Coast Titans assistant coach to move to Bradford with his young family, did not expect anything else.

The Australian continued: “I have heard nothing other than being full-time and I asked Marc those questions before I arrived here myself.

“I have seen nothing change regards to his commitment to the club and so nothing changes for us on the shopfloor. We just keep going about our business as usual.”

Sunday, August 7 -- Whitehaven – Recreation Ground -- 2pm

Sunday, August 14 -- Halifax -- Provident Stadium -- 3pm

Sunday, August 21 -- Oldham -- Provident Stadium -- 3pm

Monday, August 29 -- Dewsbury Rams -- Tetley’s Stadium -- 3pm

Sunday, September 4 – Swinton Lions -- Provident Stadium -- 3pm

Sunday, September 11– Workington Town – Zebra Claims Stadium – 3pm

Sunday, September 18 – Sheffield Eagles -- Provident Stadium -- 3pm

All ticket information for the Championship Shield games will be released in the coming days.