MARK Dunning insists the Bulls’ coaching decision is not proving a distraction.

The club’s deadline for applications is up today as Dunning continues to take charge on an interim basis.

He has won three of the four games since John Kear’s exit – and described Thursday’s victory at Widnes as their best yet.

Now Dunning is preparing for the task of leaders Featherstone tomorrow night and will not be side-tracked by any speculation about the long-term role.

“I’ve heard absolutely nothing,” he admitted. “It’s not something I want to talk about, if I’m honest.

“The club have got to do what they need to. The powers-that-be will decide who they feel is right or wrong for the position.

“If it’s not me, then I have to go and do what I have to. If it’s somebody else that’s better for Bradford Bulls, then so be it. The club is bigger than anyone.

“But right at this moment in time, I don’t really want to think about it.

“I’m just really enjoying working with a group of staff that give as much as these guys do.”

Dunning would love to be considered for the permanent job and knows the high expectations that will always be there at Odsal.

"Yeah, we're expected to win games but that's because we work for the Bradford Bulls and that's just how it is.

"Pressure is a privilege. It's not something we need to get all uptight about and start fearing.

“Since the day John left, it has been an ‘us against the world' mentality. We're all one group in it together."

Dunning was impressed with the “80-minute performance” against the Vikings but accepts they are now facing a far tougher challenge.

“We can’t fall in love with ourselves,” he added.

“What we’ve tried to do is make the confidence grow steadily with the small changes we’ve tried to implement.

“I think you are starting to see that. They believe in each other.

“I keep challenging the players to actually believe how good they could be. They are getting there but I don’t think they are there yet.

“There’s a special rugby league team in there. They’ve just got to believe in themselves and each other a little bit more.

“Once we get that, with the confidence, I think we’ll be fine.”