Being installed as third favourites will only serve to push the Bulls to the ultimate height in 2008.

That's the view of Matt Cook after Bradford were priced 6-1 in the betting order for Super League success.

St Helens are front-runners to recover their crown with most bookmakers, despite being beaten Grand Finalists and failing to strengthen their squad.

New champions Leeds are second favourites, then Bradford, followed by the likes of Wigan, Hull and Warrington.

Steve McNamara's men were written off as struggling to make the top six by many pundits last season but ultimately came within a whisker of second-placed Rhinos, England international Cook admitting that initial snub was crucial.

"We wanted to prove people wrong," said the second-rower.

"A lot of it was down to that when people wrote us off before the season had even started.

"It really helped us last season. You strive to do better and it showed.

"I don't think people are saying the same now but being ranked third doesn't mean we're happy.

"Now we want to prove we should be ranked first. That's the aim and we have a lot of making up to do for the way last season finished with that 20 minutes of madness against Wigan."

The 21-year-old knows he is going to face a tougher battle than ever to win a place in McNamara's squad during the new campaign.

Chris McKenna may have left but McNamara has brought in former Salford star Simon Finnigan and Huddersfield Giants' Player of the Year Chris Nero to strengthen a back-row that already includes David Solomona, Glenn Morrison and Jamie Langley.

"One goes and two come in!" he laughed.

"After last season when we suffered so many injuries in the back row, it's a wise decision from Steve to make sure we do have enough now to cover that position.

"I remember Sol carried a shoulder injury for most of the year, Morro broke his thumb then carried his own shoulder problems, Langers got injured, I did my wrist and Chris McKenna was always playing with niggles but, knowing my luck, all the back-rowers will probably be fit all the way through now!

"Seriously though, we need players there just to give others a rest. That was tough last season for a lot who went all the way through and weren't able to manage a breather ahead of important games.

"The squad that's put together now is not only stronger in depth and quality but we've got players who can play more than one position as well. It's an exciting time and we can't wait for it all to start."