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Bradford go to Castleford on Sunday knowing they need a 15-point victory to go back to the top of the Super League.

Saints storm clear

The Bulls conceded their points-difference advantage at the head of the standings to St Helens, who beat Halifax 40-0 on Friday.

But a convincing win at the Jungle could see Bradford regain supremacy over the Saints, with both sides having lost four games this season.

The mood in the camp is upbeat and we are looking forward to the challenge

Castleford coach Graham Steadman

And, as the Bulls know, going into the play-offs as the leading club is a huge advantage.

However, the 50-22 defeat by the Saints leaves the Bulls facing the possibility of two consecutive losses for the first time in two years.

It is a real possibility, with the eighth-placed Tigers on form and in a tight battle for the sixth play-off place.

Castleford coach Graham Steadman certainly believes his side can beat Bradford.

"The mood in the camp is upbeat and we are looking forward to the challenge," said Steadman.

But Bulls coach Brian Noble feels his side's defeat last week was not as bad as it seemed.

"We have taken a stumble along the way and we need to start striding out again and start playing the way we are capable," said Noble.

"It is a disappointment to lose at any stage of the season but this may be a wake-up call for us. What we need to do is look at what we did right and what we did wrong.

"There wasn't a lot wrong last week, despite what the scoreline may suggest.

I'm confident that we'll be playing Super League rugby next season

Salford coach Karl Harrison

"It looked a lot worse than it was and we have fixed up a few things and taken a look at what went wrong and believe me we aren't far off the pace."

Meanwhile, Salford hope to end their spell in last place when they visit Hull.

Wakefield's loss against Leeds on Friday allows Salford to leave the basement if they gain their fifth win this year.

Leeds hold off Wakefield

Hull, though, are fifth, and will be bolstered by the inclusion of leading try-scorer Graham Mackay.

Mackay has two broken fingers, but has vowed to play on and help Hull clinch a play-off berth.

"I don't want to miss games, I want to play and, although it is not ideal, I can strap them together," said Mackay, who has scored 17 tries this season.

Hull coach Shaun McRae praised Mackay's decision.

"What is positive is that Graham is keen to play," said McRae.

"That is always a good sign and players know their own bodies.

Graham Mackay will play through injury for Hull

"Experienced players like Graham learn how to play through and cope with injuries. Had he been younger and more inexperienced then I would probably have looked at it differently.

"It is a risk but I am comfortable with it."

Nevertheless, Salford coach Karl Harrison insists his team can win at Hull, and avoid relegation.

"We need to play a little bit smarter but I'm confident that we'll be playing Super League rugby next season," he said.

"The battle in the basement is certainly as intriguing as the race for top spot.

"All the clubs at the foot of the table have got big games this round and it won't be easy for any of us to take points from the likes of Wigan, Leeds and Saints.

"We've got to be encouraged by the performances we've enjoyed away from home.

"We gave a good account of ourselves at Widnes, Leeds and London and, if we can show that kind of form again, I'll be happy."