Francis Cummins’ players will reap the rewards from a meticulous series of pre-season tests which will leave no stone unturned.

On Monday the bulk of Cummins’ squad, including new recruits Luke George and Lee Gaskell, began a week-long programme of screening, fitness and fat tests as well as appointments with the dentists and opticians.

It will end on Friday when they undergo Dexa Scans – to measure body fat – at Liverpool John Moores University.

Head of strength and conditioning Tom Clough said the players’ programmes would be tailored to their individual needs in order to maximise their physical condition and subsequent performance on the field.

“Full training starts next week but the players are back on the timetable now and undergoing a number of tests,” said Clough.

“The start of this week was physio and movement screening so we use this to basically predict injury and to plan the rehab programme.

“The aim is to reduce injuries and yesterday we did the fitness tests and the speed test, so we will find out what sort of physical condition the players are in.

“On Friday they do the body fat scan in Liverpool, and in between they will see the doctor, dentist and have eye tests.

“It’s basically a holistic overview of where they are currently at. We can then give individual targets for their entire pre-season.

“Throughout the season there will be clear plan in place to care for the players – we have a doctor’s clinic on Tuesdays, a nutritionist on Thursdays and Dr Allan Johnston, our club psychiatrist, will be in on Fridays.”

Garreth Carvell was at Tong yesterday to meet his new team-mates as he prepares to join them for pre-season training when he recovers from a broken rib.

The Bulls will tonight hold their first fans forum since the club’s change of ownership was ratified (7pm, Coral Stand).