Bulls winger Jamie Foster is grateful to have the festive period off but is already looking forward to ripping back into pre-season training.

For the second year running, Francis Cummins has opted not to play a friendly over the Christmas holiday period.

The Bulls coach is not a fan of Boxing Day games and so his side’s first outing will be the home friendly with Hull FC on January 19.

After a gruelling pre-season campaign so far, Cummins’ troops broke for Christmas last Saturday and resume training on January 2.

Former St Helens man Foster said: “As much as you do enjoy playing, after you’ve flogged your body so hard during pre-season it is nice to have a break at Christmas.

“I think most of the players in Super League would say that if you asked them.

“It’s not a case of all the lads wanting time off to waste away all their training on nights out.

“It’s not like that at all – a lot of people have got families and they enjoy relaxing with their loved ones at Christmas.

“We certainly won’t abuse the time off during this period because, on a personal note, I’ve had my best off-season ever.

“I’m feeling in fantastic shape and will be raring to go when we come back on January 2.”