It is no accident the Bulls are once again timing their run into the play-offs to perfection, admits coach Brian Noble.

With five consecutive wins under their belt, a fully fit squad to choose from and third place firmly within their grasp, a fifth consecutive trip to Old Trafford all of a sudden looks a very real possibility.

"It's getting to that time of year when you can't afford to have any more slip-ups," said Noble.

"We always know that in this

competition you have to be playing well at the end of it.

"We have been disappointing in a lot of aspects this year and we have lost more games than we usually do.

"But getting the format right in the last six games is something we look at, both physically and emotionally."

The return to the fold of long-term injury absentees Shontayne Hape, Lesley Vainikolo and Paul Johnson has been carefully managed to

coincide with the run-in to the play-offs.

Noble said: "It's a credit to the

personnel at the club. We take chances on some players, that's just the reality. Thankfully this year we have managed to get some people on board in the last six weeks."

The Bulls have had their fair share of detractors this season but Noble has never lost faith in his squad.

"You can't be distracted with criticism - and there's been plenty of it," he said.

"We always listen to it but it doesn't mean we have to pay close attention to it. You have to stay focused on what you believe can happen.

"We have a lot of youngsters on board this year, which is essential for the future. But my honest opinion is that it's important to have your best players on deck at this time of year and thankfully we've got that."