Steve McNamara today spoke of the Bulls' "feel-good factor".

Almost all the squad are now back in training, with just Huddersfield signing Chris Nero and New Zealand pair Shontayne Hape and Tame Tupou yet to join up.

Great Britain hooker Terry Newton returned today while Ben Jeffries has also attended his first training sessions with his new employers.

McNamara said: "There's some real momentum building throughout the whole club, and not just the squad.

"Nearly everyone has reported back now, apart from the Kiwi lads, who have an extra week as they played over in France.

"And Chris Nero is getting married in Australia on the 23rd so he'll be flying back in between Christmas and New Year.

"Everyone else is going well and there's a feel-good factor about the season ahead. We've got a great squad together and it's an exciting time."

Fans are also buying into the optimism with a recent surge on season ticket sales.

The cut-price early-bird deadline arrives on Wednesday and McNamara is urging supporters to make the most of the deal - and swell the Grattan Stadium terraces.

"When the atmosphere is good at Odsal, everyone responds accordingly," he said. "I know that's what happened when I was a player and it's the same now.

"There's quite a bit of responsibility from us to perform but we're ready to do that and hopefully we'll get as many people down here as we can to see it next year.

"Hopefully those who still aren't quite decided about tickets will get behind us too."

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