Referees’ boss Stuart Cummings has held an audience with the Bulls.

He accepted Steve McNamara’s request to visit the players this week to try and explain where they have been going wrong in recent matches.

Bradford have apparently turned from the most disciplined side in Super League into the one of the worst as quickly as you can say ‘Go to the screen.’ McNamara was seething with referee Richard Silverwood after they were hit for 19 penalties at St Helens on Friday night while their opponents conceded just five.

It has become a mounting concern and he sought answers from Cummings about the inconsistencies, the pair meeting at the club’s training ground in Apperley Bridge on Tuesday.

However, the official also spent an hour taking the players through footage of the match to point out where he thinks they are erring as well.

“I was just explaining the sort of things referees are looking for as indicators for penalties,” said Cummings.

“They were very receptive to it, as you’d expect as professional players.

“There were a few penalties last weekend so we discussed what we’re looking for in the tackle and what they can actually do to help themselves.

“We looked at tackle techniques, how they work at marker and other aspects of their game, and they’re not a million miles away.

“The main problem at Saints was the ten metres, which we addressed, and it was refreshing to be able to come into the club and speak to the players.”

Cummings admitted the count was too lop-sided at Knowsley Road and added: “There were some penalties that should have been awarded against Saints.

“That all comes when we review the referees, which is rigorous in itself, and I’m sure we could always find more penalties but it’s about trying to get the balance.

“I’d prefer to see the number coming down and the more we have sessions like this the more that will help.

“I’ve done this before and am always willing to come in to see any club that invites us.”

Bradford have felt harshly treated in recent weeks and Cummings conceded some of his refs have got big decisions wrong.

He accepted that video official Steve Ganson actually got the rule incorrect when Dave Halley’s ‘try’ during the Leeds defeat was wiped out.

The winger had spilled the ball trying to intercept a Leeds pass but played at it with his knee before it hit the deck.

However, Ganson awarded a knock-on while Cummings also admits Bradford wrongly had Terry Newton’s ‘try’ chalked off the following week at a pivotal moment in the Carnegie Challenge Cup loss against Hull FC.

He said: “I’ve worked with coaches for six years now and I understand their frustrations.

“But it’s a two-way process. We know we haven’t got things perfect and they’re the same.

“We’re both coaches of people and we’re all working to make sure things improve.”

McNamara said: “It was a very productive exercise both ways.

“The number of penalties we’ve given away recently has been having a big influence on our game, and we need to work on that.

“But Stuart came in and clarified some issues, making things more clear, so I felt this was worthwhile.”

* Winners of the Bulls competition to win pairs of tickets for Sunday’s home game against Hull were: Matthew Hird of Thornton, and Michael Roberts of Bradford 2. The corrdct answer was that Bulls were defeated 22-16 by Hull in the Challenge Cup.