GEOFF Toovey will be on a watching brief once again for his Odsal debut on Sunday.

The incoming Bradford Bulls coach has been unable to take up the reins so far until the necessary paperwork is through.

Toovey has been in the country just under a fortnight but he is not allowed to take an active role until his visa is processed.

The Bulls are not expecting that to be cleared in time for the opening Kingstone Press Championship home game against Rochdale Hornets this weekend.

Toovey can still be presented to the crowd before the match but he will once again have to leave the touchline duties to Leigh Beattie.

A Bulls spokesman said: "It's frustrating but these things take time. It's unlikely it will happen before the Rochdale game, so Geoff will be there as an observer."

Academy coach Beattie has been in charge for all three games from the reformed side so far – the friendly defeats at Huddersfield and Keighley and last Sunday's 54-24 loss at Hull KR.

Meanwhile, Beattie reckons the Bulls players should forget about their 12-point deficit.

The interim coach wants the Bradford youngsters to focus on their performances rather than the team's predicament, fearing it could have a negative mental impact going forward.

The Bulls began their league campaign with a battling defeat at title favourites Hull KR. Next up is a potentially crucial home clash with Rochdale as they seek the points required to get them on an even keel, having begun term with a 12-point deduction for going into administration over the winter.

The Hornets, promoted from League One, opened with an eye-opening 46-0 thrashing of Dewsbury Rams.

"If we think about it (the points deduction) too much, it could be a massive negative," said Beattie of the Bulls' need to play catch-up even before they got on the pitch.

"We have to take each game as it comes and keep ticking them off. We will give 100 per cent and we will be trying to get the two points.

"That'll be the same for the season – keeping ticking the games off week in week out, trying to get the two points.

"It's a massive task, and it's going to be a big ask, but we can do it. It's achievable and we will give 100 per cent to achieve it as well."