JAKE Mullaney believes he is reaping the benefits of being “whipped into line” by Jimmy Lowes as he gears up for a big season with the Bulls.

The Australian full back was the outstanding player during Sunday’s friendly defeat at Castleford and had a hand in all three tries with some delightful attacking play.

He looked in excellent physical shape during his 60-minute display and revealed his fitness levels are as a result of a tough pre-season campaign which has seen him shed four kilos.

Last season at Salford a torn pectoral muscle deprived Mullaney of form, fitness and confidence but now, leaner and fitter, he is ready to hit top gear again.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Bulls on a one-year deal, said: “It was a good way to start my Bradford career because I hadn’t played for a long time.

“I didn’t really know what to expect going into the game but it was good to get a bit of ball and play my part in a few tries. I had a bit of work to do when I first arrived here in October because I was a bit out of shape.

“Jimmy whipped me into line, trained me hard and I’ve lost about four kilos – and I think it showed on Sunday.

“I just wanted to get my hands on the ball as much as I could.

“Thankfully I did that and played my part, although I felt a bit tired at the end of the first half.

“We gelled really well in attack during that opening 40 minutes and put some nice passes together.

""We lost our way a bit in the second half after making a lot of changes but all in all I thought we did pretty well for our first game together."

Mullaney was signed for Salford at the start of last season by former Bulls coach Brian Noble, who was in the crowd at Castleford on Sunday.

He was a regular in the side until he was forced to undergo surgery on a torn pectoral muscle last May and he did not play for them again.

The injury aside, Mullaney admitted: "I just didn't play my best footie last season. I had a few good games here and there but I wasn't consistent enough.

"I'm here to restart my career and I got off to a good start, so I'm looking forward to building on that now.

"It's exciting times at Bradford. I'm looking forward to the season because it's a big year for the club and hopefully I can play my part."

The former Parramatta man is now looking forward to making his home debut in Sunday's visit of Huddersfield.

Mullaney enjoyed success at Odsal last April, helping them to a 38-24 win in Iestyn Harris' first game in charge of the Red Devils.

"I played there last year for Salford and it was a good atmosphere," said Mullaney.

"To play there with my home crowd on my side will be even better."