Pumped-up Shontayne Hape intends starting the new season just as he completed the last - playing and winning.

The Kiwi centre endured an horrendous opening to 2005, missing the first five months of the campaign due to a second reconstruction of his knee.

But his free-scoring return in July coincided with the Bulls' awesome streak to Old Trafford and it didn't end there.

"I finished last season on a high, coming back and winning the Grand Final, then winning the Tri-Nations with New Zealand," he recalled at the club's training camp in Lanzarote.

"It's been the best finish to the year possible.

"Obviously it wasn't the best start but this time I'm a lot more happy, glad to be here training with the boys and I can't wait to play in the World Club Challenge."

Hape, newly married and with a new contract at Odsal penned until 2008, is beaming at the prospect of a full season ahead.

"Last year it was difficult and a real rollercoaster," he admitted.

"When I was injured, there was a big dip when I was really down and I hated coming to the games.

"But things are right now and I can't wait for the start.

"We're having a great week out here and it's been good with the new boys."

Marcus Bai, Chris McKenna, Stanley Gene, Terry Newton and Adam Watene have all been acclimatising to the hot weather as well as their team-mates, with the World Club Challenge less than three weeks away.

Hape continued: "That's why the training camp is really important as it allows us all to gel and get to know each other as people and as players."

And as champions, the expectation levels are higher than ever in Super League.

"We've been talking about it this week," Hape added. "Super League is growing from strength to strength. You used to talk about the top five but I think right across the ball park now, with the new French side and London Broncos in the six, sides can challenge for honours."

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old is expected to continue that devastating left-side attack with Lesley Vainikolo - despite being thrust into the l3 jersey for the Kiwis in their final win over Australia.

"Nobby has been teasing me about playing loose forward but I can't see him breaking up my combination with Les," he said.