New signing Henry Paul believes Bradford Bulls' pre-season programme will set them up for a successful Super League IV.

The Bulls squad are building towards the coming season with an intensive training regime which includes a visit to Lanzarote for fitness work next week.

Henry Paul joined the Bulls from 1998 Super League Grand Final winners Wigan Warriors during the close season, and believes the Bulls' training programme is superior.

He said: "The same things that made Wigan a better side are going on here, and the training is maybe even 30 per cent better. It has been hard work, but I feel we will all enjoy the benefit when the season starts."

Henry Paul joins his brother Robbie in a Bulls side which coach Matthew Elliott believes is the best he has worked with during his time at Odsal.

The Bulls coach has strengthened his squad during the close season with Cronulla back Nick Zisti, centre Michael Withers and back-rower David Boyle.

Last season, Elliott was delighted with the em-ergence of talented youngsters Stuart Fielden, Leon Pryce and Paul Deacon last season, along with the capture Salford's Scott Naylor.

However, it is the capture of Paul which appears to have caught the imagination of the Bulls' fans, and Elliott believes the former Wigan star will make a major impact.

Elliott said: "I have so many options at half-back, although I don't want to get carried away. If you made a comparison internationally with Henry, he has the same qualities as someone like Brad Fittler. He can play in a multitude of positions and Henry has proved he can do the same."

Bulls fans will have their first opportunity to see the new signings in action when Hudders-field visit Odsal for a pre-season friendly on Saturday, January 30.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm, and should prove an interesting affair for both sides, with the Giants hoping to improve on their final position last season now they are under the control of former Great Britain boss Mal Reilly.

The previous night, the Bulls are holding a squad presentation evening at St George's Hall, Bradford, with the fun starting at 7.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.