Steve McNamara rates new Bulls signing Greg Bird as one of the world’s leading six players.

The Odsal coach reckons the Kangaroos Test stand-off will add massive creative spark to his side while also beefing them up.

“Greg’s football ability is backed by a whole host of people who have seen him in regular action in Australia,” he said. “With the footage I’ve seen of him it’s easy to see why.

“He’s just a truly world-class footballer, someone who I believe is one of the top half-dozen players in the world.

“The attributes he will bring to our game will be invaluable.

“He’s got a great passing range and is comfortable playing with the ball before the line, at the line, off-loading in the line and even on the way down to the ground.

“He’s got all the skills while also having that extra bit of physicality too.”

A hardened defender, Bird’s mean streak could bring an added edge to Bradford – often accused of being too soft last season.

He wants the stand-off role at Grattan Stadium so will keep Ben Jeffries on his toes but McNamara said: “Greg can play in a few different positions, including stand-off and loose forward.

“We had been questioned about the depth in our halves so he now gives us another option but I’m not going to pigeon-hole him.

“I’m just delighted we’ve got one of the best players around.” McNamara maintains the club didn’t have to fork out to capture the hot talent, despite seeing off bids from Wigan, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

“I will always look to make decisions to benefit and strengthen our team and organisation,” he said.

“I was very, very happy with the squad we had but this opportunity was too good to miss.

“We’re just fortunate the board were able to support us and make it happen but contrary to some reports, we certainly haven’t broken the bank to bring Greg here.

“One Super League chairman said he wouldn’t pay silly money. Neither would we.”

Bird was released by Cronulla pending a court appearance for an alleged assault and is currently waiting for his visa application to be processed.

However, McNamara – who takes Bradford to Whitehaven for a final friendly on Sunday – is confident there will be no snag to the deal.

“We’re in constant touch with him,” he added. “We’ve set him a conditioning programme and are trying to get him as ready as possible for the start of the season.

“He is very enthusiastic about coming to England.”

McNamara maintains the club didn’t have to fork out to capture the hot talent, despite seeing off bids from Wigan, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

“I will always look to make decisions to benefit and strengthen our team and organisation,” he said.

“I was very, very happy with the squad we had but this opportunity was too good to miss.

“We’re just fortunate the board were able to support us and make it happen but contrary to some reports, we certainly haven’t broken the bank to bring Greg here.

“One Super League chairman said he wouldn’t pay silly money. Neither would we.”

Bird was released by Cronulla pending a court appearance for an alleged assault and is currently waiting for his visa application to be processed.

However, McNamara – who takes Bradford to Whitehaven for a final friendly on Sunday – is confident there will be no snag to the deal.

“We’re in constant touch with him,” he added. “We’ve set him a conditioning programme and are trying to get him as ready as possible for the start of the season.

“He is very enthusiastic about coming to England.”

Meanwhile, Australian Michael Crocker's move to Hull FC collapsed yesterday when he was denied a visa by the British High Commission, who earlier refused a similar application from Huddersfield Giants' for Todd Carney.

No explanations have been given but both players have criminal convictions. That might throw doubt over Bird's move but he has not been convicted of any offence.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis says that should enable him to play in England and said: "I'm relaxed about it.

"If it's within the rules, which it is, that's fine. I don't have a problem. He wasn't banned in the NRL so he's free to play in Super League.

"I'm not aware of any problem. It's up to him and the club to process the application."