MARK Dunning revealed he gave the Bulls a half-time rollicking on the way to ending their losing streak this afternoon.

His side responded with seven tries after the break to demolish relegated Workington 48-18 – Dunning’s first victory since taking permanent charge.

He said: “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a relief. We’ve struggled to buy a win over the last five weeks and made it difficult for ourselves again.

“But after a pretty stern and direct chat at half-time, I’m pleased with what the players dished up in the last 35 minutes.”

The Bulls were 8-6 down at half-time against a team who have won only one game all season and Dunning made his feelings known in the changing room.

“We were disrespectful of the ball. We completed at 40 per cent in the first half – you don’t win any rugby league games with that.

“There was an element of people trying off-loads and trying that little bit too hard. We spoke all week about sticking to the process and the end-goal will come.

“I try my best to take the pressure off the players and shoulder it myself. But they aren’t stupid, they know what’s going on and what’s being said.

“They know it’s not been good enough and they care. Sometimes they’re trying a little bit too hard just to rectify things personally.”

The seven tries in the second half were as many as the Bulls had managed in their previous five games.

“The two halves were absolute opposites,” added Dunning, who hopes to unveil three signings for next season this week.

“We completed at 85 per cent second half and have blown a team away. We’ve got it within us.”