James Donaldson insists the Bulls will return galvanised after their season-opening defeat at Huddersfield Giants.

The loss came as a real sickener for the players after expectations had been raised by a positive pre-season and a strong winter recruitment drive. But they are not about to let it break their confidence.

A slow start last year, when the Bulls failed to win any of their opening four games, meant their campaign never got off the ground and contributed heavily to their ninth-place finish.

But lessons have been learned and back-rower Donaldson believes Bradford are better equipped to deal with the setbacks this season.

He said: “It was really gutting. All the lads were really down afterwards but it’s different to last year.

“Obviously it’s only the first game of the season and there’s a long way to go. We’ll come back twice as strong from it and hopefully we’ll turn things around quickly.

“There was more positives than negatives I thought because we played well against a strong side and we just need a bit more about us in the game.

“We still know what we have to do and we’re building something. Hopefully the fans will see that.”

Despite the Bulls’ 24-12 defeat at the Galpharm Stadium, Donaldson’s selection in the final bench spot acted as a major boost for the 18-year-old Cumbrian.

Head coach Steve McNamara has shown great faith in the youngster, which has, so far, been fully repaid.

He said: “I was over the moon to be selected. I’ve played my hardest throughout pre-season because I know I will really have to fight for my place this year.

“I’ll do all I can to get in the team. I was chuffed to get my place because lads like Elliott Whitehead and Tom Olbison have been playing really well.

“I just do what I always do, get stuck in and try and bring a lift to the team as much as I can in defence and attack. Every team likes to have impact off the bench so I try to bring that.

“This year is a big year for me, so I just want to do my best and keep improving.”

The Bulls will be aiming to bounce back in Sunday’s home opener against St Helens, who suffered a surprise 32-12 home defeat against Hull on Saturday.

Leeds had also been shocked on Friday night, beaten 24-10 at home by Castleford, but Wigan rolled over Crusaders 38-6.

Sunday’s action saw Hull KR cruise past Salford 30-12, Warrington thumped Harlequins 58-0 and Wakefield edged out Catalans 28-20.