DANE Chisholm believes that eradicating the lulls in the Bulls' performances could be the key to them winning Betfred League One.

Reflecting on their 82-6 Challenge Cup thrashing of West Wales Raiders last weekend, the Australian admitted: "The field was a little bit quiet.

"We were patchy and if we can get rid of those patches of downs and put our foot on the (opposition's) throat, then I am confident we can win the comp."

The 27-year-old former Melbourne Storm and Sheffield Eagles player then revealed that he is glad to be playing for the Bulls rather than against them – particularly at Odsal.

Chisholm said: "I am lucky that I have never come here and played against Bradford. We missed a few spectators from Wales last weekend but it is an awesome feeling."

The supporters apart, one other thing that has worked in the Bulls' favour so far is how well the players have integrated under head coach John Kear.

Chisholm said: "Winning is a part of it but we have bonded so quickly.

"George Flanagan hasn't been here for ten years and has walked straight back in and everyone loves him.

"Everyone gets along so well and I can't wait to get back out there."

Meanwhile, Chisholm is glad that Kear has to pick the team, rather than himself.

The French international was particularly referring to when and how to use promising youngster Brandon Pickersgill.

Chisholm, who is returning to action after a serious knee injury sustained last summer, said: "It is a tough one for John as Pick has been playing so well.

"He has been playing big minutes – 80 minutes – and I have just come on and played 35 against West Wales.

"It is John's call but I am sure that Pick will be in the mix because when Gregg (McNally) comes off, then Pick can go straight to full back. He has also done really well in the halves and made some clean breaks.

"He is an up-and-coming kid and he is going to be strong wherever we put him – but it is not my call, it is John's call, which is awesome."

Chisholm was among eight players to get their name on the scoresheet last weekend against League One rivals West Wales.

He said: "I gave Minny (Elliot Minchella) a try but it was good to score a try and the space opened up."

Both Chisholm and Kear, however, were conscious initially as to whether Chisholm would come through unscathed in his comeback match.

The latter admitted: "When you are making those half-breaks, and they are big boys, you are more susceptible to an awkward tackle and getting your knee twisted but I try not to think about it."

Chisholm was annoyed, however, about the late try the Bulls conceded against the Raiders.

"That one try was disappointing and the lads are disappointed," he said.

"John has said that he will let us have one but he wants it to be from a kick or something that we can't do anything about, rather than a barge-over."

Minchella, who knows Chisholm from their days as Eagles, is delighted that one of their playmakers is back.

He said: "I am really pleased for Chizzy. I have known him for a long time and played with him at Sheffield last season and I'm really happy for him after his bad injury.

"All credit to him, he has done his rehab', got himself right and he looked quite sharp.

"He has looked good in training and he is going to get better and better – and we all know what he can do."

Minchella then admitted it was several days after Bradford's thrilling opening-day league victory at York City Knights before he even started thinking about the Challenge Cup:

He said: "York did take a lot out of us. It was an awesome game to be part of and I was on a high for about five days. Then you have to get yourself ready for facing West Wales."

Minchella was modest about his five tries, however, saying: "Support play is always an area of my game that I have tried to be good at and the ball seemed to find me. You score tries off of that."

He also praised the Raiders, saying: "Fair play to them, they have come on a long coach journey and I know how difficult that is.

"We didn't underestimate them, we respected them and got the job done.

"We deserved that scoreline. We played some really good rugby, some tough rugby – especially in defence.

"One of our aims this year is to be a tough team to play against. We don't want anyone to come here and think 'we are in for an easy day'.

"We want people to come here and think this is a fortress and that nobody wants to play against our defence and we did that against West Wales.

"They lacked a little bit of experience and some skills but they never gave up and they showed that with the try at the end. I wish them the best for the rest of the season."