Several weeks ago, Adam Sidlow met Bulls coach Francis Cummins at a service station on the M62.

Cummins was desperate for front-row reinforcements after the departure of Craig Kopczak, Bryn Hargreaves and Tom Burgess decimated his pack.

Salford were willing to release Sidlow from the final year of his contract and he was eager to hear what Cummins had to say.

Within a few minutes his mind was made up.

“From that point on I knew I wanted to come to Bradford,” said the 25-year-old prop.

“I had spoken to Francis a few times and then had the meeting with him at Birch Services.

“It was a really good meeting and what he said to me was very positive.

“He told me he liked what he’d seen of me and that he’d like to see a bit more in terms of my offloading ability and try-scoring.

“From what Francis has said, he’s got some good ideas for me and hopefully I can fulfil them.”

At 6ft 4in and over 17 stone, Sidlow is imposing to say the least.

A two-year deal affords him the opportunity to play in Super League week in, week out.

That did not happen under Phil Veivers last term.

“2012 was a bit indifferent for me really,” said Sidlow.

“I was starting, then I wasn’t, and then I’d miss a game.

“I enjoyed playing when I was in the team and I thought I did okay but I didn’t see myself as always being in Phil’s plans.

“That’s possibly why I’m here at Bradford now.

“Phil was a good coach but maybe didn’t have ideas on things which involved me.

“I just found myself taking a different path when Francis spoke to me and I really like what he’s said to me.

“He told me had gone to meet Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and it seems that he’s trying to get loads of avenues of information from as many different coaches as possible.

“That can only be a good thing for Bradford.

“I’m actually looking forward to working with the likes of Nas (Manase Manuokafoa) and Scrutes (Nick Scruton) because, although I’m only 25, I saw myself as a senior player at Salford.”

Sidlow, who began his professional career at Widnes, admits to being a keen student of the game.

He is a huge admirer of former Bulls star Jamie Peacock and fondly remembers the great Bradford side who dominated the game in the early years of the Millennium.

“I looked up to Jamie Peacock and Stuart Fielden,” said Sidlow.

“I remember the awesome foursome at Bradford – Fielden, Paul Anderson, Brian McDermott and Joe Vagana.

“I’m really into my rugby league and you look up to people like that.

“You can’t hope to achieve what they did but I’d certainly like to come in and do well here.

“It’s a massive club. There’s a lot of responsibility and I’m not just going to walk into the side.

“Hopefully I can strengthen the pack with my size and physicality and take it forward from there.”

Sidlow scored against the Bulls at the Salford City Stadium last season and bulldozed his way over for two dramatic late tries which secured a famous win over Huddersfield at the Magic Weekend.

He added: “I think if your big men can get over the line then it’s a good weapon to have in your armoury.

“That’s definitely something I’ll be looking to bring to the Bulls this coming season.”