LEE Smith has urged the Bulls to walk before they can run – insisting Championship survival remains their one and only aim this season.

The former England international made his first appearance in a Bradford shirt in Sunday's defeat at London Broncos, having been confined to the bench the previous weekend against Toulouse.

While that London loss kept the Bulls on minus eight points, two victories from their opening five matches have provided plenty of encouragement.

Former Leeds stand-off Smith has been quick to temper that however, insisting that tenth spot is the initial target for all at Odsal.

"The first objective for Bradford this season is staying in the league – it would obviously be completely unrealistic to even think about Super League," he said.

"We are still on minus eight points and, once we have wiped that out, we can go from there. After that, we look to go second bottom and so on."

Smith, who played in the Championship last season with Leigh, admits he was pleasantly surprised by the mood in the Bulls camp following his arrival last month.

"They have been through a lot in the build-up to this season but things are starting to look up again now – despite Sunday's defeat," he said.

"I was surprised by the positive mood in training when I arrived but they can see light at the end of the tunnel after coming through the dark times.

"It can't have been a good situation when you are kept in the dark, but everyone wants to take the club forward again and hopefully my experience will help."

The 30-year-old added: "I've not had the best pre-season and I'm still playing catch-up and getting fit.

"It was frustrating sitting on the bench all game against Toulouse first up – but I'm a pro and sometimes you have to wait for your opportunity, which came on Sunday.

"I'm looking forward to hopefully getting a regular place in the side now."