Steve McNamara knows his Bulls must learn to take the rough with the smooth if they are to revive their stuttering season.

Having hit the heights of Super League’s top four just last month, four straight league defeats have caused a slide to eighth, putting their long-held play-off spot at risk.

Injuries have contributed heavily, with up to seven first-team players missing in recent weeks, but the Bradford boss has not allowed that to enter his thoughts.

Instead, McNamara has called on his players to retain belief in themselves and remains confident of recreating early-season form.

He said: “It’s been a big shift. Three weeks ago we were in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup and going well in Super League but it can all change so quickly.

“The competition ebbs and flows. We had a good second quarter of the season when we moved into the top four but it’s changed since then.

“Similarly, Wakefield started well but have slipped since and Huddersfield had a big dip in form not long ago.

“This group of players is the same group that got us to the top four in the first place, even though there are a few missing through injury right now.

“But if you’re in this game just for the high moments, you’re in it for the wrong reasons. You must be able to handle adversity.”

The nadir during the Bulls’ recent dip in form came with heavy defeats against Huddersfield and Crusaders – a complete lack of intensity causing McNamara to hit out at his players.

But a fitting response was provided against Warrington last week.

Defeat was still the ultimate outcome but the players’ energy, application and optimism in the face of adversity earned them a well-deserved standing ovation from the Odsal faithful following the final whistle.

McNamara knows it was a start but will never be happy to settle for second best. Victory will be needed against Castleford on Sunday to avoid equalling the Bulls’ longest Super League losing run.

“Cas are coming off the back of two good wins so we know it’ll be tough,” said McNamara.

“Against Warrington, we showed a real willingness and found our energy again.

“Looking back there was a whole host of good things to come out of the game but we need to do them for longer periods if we’re going to start picking up results. If we find some consistency, we’ll be fine.

“We’re still not happy yet but we’re happier than we were. We need another good display to build on the steps we made against Warrington.

“The pressure was to get ourselves out of a two-game lull and now that we’ve done that and we’ve found the intensity we need to play with, the results will follow. We are aware that we need to start picking up results.”

The Bulls welcome back skipper Andy Lynch after knee surgery, Michael Platt returns from suspension and Jamie Langley is poised to come back after a two-month lay-off with a torn quad.

But McNamara is confident the Bulls’ youngsters, who have been handed a string of chances in recent weeks, can continue to challenge for inclusion.

Cain Southernwood showed huge promise at scrum half last week, while Steve Crossley and Danny Addy both impressed off the bench.

Even with Lynch’s return, Crossley could play a big role as a result of the knee injury suffered by Nick Scruton.

McNamara said: “It’s competition for places and everyone wants that.

“The kids are learning about being Super League players every day and they’ll continue to improve.”