Mick Potter refused to be too downhearted with the Bulls after seeing his old side beat his new one last night.

Potter’s first game against St Helens ended in a 28-16 loss at their temporary Widnes home.

But the Australian was pleased with the way his troops stuck in there when Saints threatened to run away with the contest.

Potter said: “I thought St Helens did very well and they could have scored some more points. But our guys applied themselves and did everything possible to get a result.

“Saints got a few quick rucks on us and that’s something we’ve got to address. But they can do that to you.

“Our blokes deserve a fair pat on the back for applying themselves to stick in the game. We ask for nothing less and they gave it.

“If your players can do that every week then you’ll win your fair share.”

The Bulls led early through the first of Shaun Ainscough’s two tries and were only 10-6 down when Paul Sykes was sin-binned just before half-time.

Saints scored twice while he was off and then again as Bulls looked to regroup following the full back’s return.

Potter said: “Teams can hold out 12 on 13. They just executed their plays very well, exploited the gaps and deserved to score from there.

“Saints got a mountain of possession. We had six or seven sets less than them first half and defence drains the energy from teams.

“That’s what their kicking game was good at, moving the opposition around. We need to do that more and maybe force more errors.”

Paul Wellens notched two of St Helens’ five tries to spoil Potter’s reunion.

The Bulls coach said: “He’s still one of the best full backs in the game. He might not be the quickest player but you certainly want him in the team.

“His career seems to have gone in a flash but I think he is still a very important player.”

The Bulls must check on the fitness of Jamie Langley, who injured his ankle, and Elliott Whitehead, whose hamstring tightened up after a busy first half.