ADRIAN Purtell admits it is vital that the Bulls get off to a good start in their Championship opener at promotion rivals Leigh.

Ahead of the club’s first campaign outside of the top flight for over 40 years, Purtell says preparations could not be going any better so far during pre-season.

The Australian centre feels that will hold Jimmy Lowes’ men in good stead as they prepare to face Castleford, Huddersfield and Leeds in pre-season before the all-important trip to Leigh on Sunday, February 15.

Paul Rowley’s Centurions, London Broncos and Bradford are the only three full-time teams in the Championship next season.

Purtell said: “Momentum is crucial in sport and it is important we start as well as we possibly can, although we face no tougher task than Leigh away.

“We are under no illusions as to how tough a year it will be next year, but we could not be better prepared at this stage.

“We have three friendlies against some high-flying Super League teams before the season begins, which give us a chance to find out the level we are at as a team.”

The Bulls squad has undergone a major transformation since the club was relegated from Super League.

It currently contains 29 players, 23 of whom have played in Super League, and all are out to stake a claim to be in Lowes’ top 17.

Purtell says competition is intensifying ahead of next month’s friendly matches.

The 29-year-old is entering his fourth season at Odsal, having arrived from NRL outfit Penrith Panthers ahead of the 2012 campaign.

He added: “There are a lot of new players training this year but they have slotted in straight away and all credit to them.

“They have come in with the pressure on the club to achieve and have got stuck in and shown us what they are about.

“Pre-season has been tough. Things have been a bit different this year, a few new activities and team-bonding exercises.

“Despite the gruelling schedule, we are all buzzing ahead of the new campaign and are eager to start well.”