Bulls hope Aussie signing Greg Bird could be a surprise inclusion for Sunday’s new season “opener” against Hull KR.

The Test stand off is currently awaiting a visa and work permit to gain entry into the country following his move from Cronulla Sharks.

Initially, Bradford didn’t anticipate him getting any paperwork sorted until at least early next month and expected to be without him for the opening rounds of Super League.

However, it is thought the UK Border Agency has now ruled on the matter and chairman Peter Hood said: “We’re expecting to hear a decision early this week. If that does come through and he gets the visa, he could be here a few days later.

“We’ll just have to wait to hear what the outcome is and I know he has a couple of things to sort domestically but hopefully he should be on a flight pretty swiftly if all goes according to plan.”

Following the postponement of Sunday’s game at Harlequins, the Bulls now start up by entertaining Hull KR at Grattan Stadium and Bird might yet make the squad.

After Aussie players like Michael Crocker and Todd Carney recently had their visa applications turned down, it is a nervous wait for the Bulls and the State of Origin star, who knows the deal could yet fall through.

He is due in court on April 27 on charges of reckless wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and lying to police.

However, the club and Bird – who has received game-plays from boss Steve McNamara – remain confident this won’t jeopardise his chances of completing the switch.

Meanwhile, Hood says the players are desperate to get going at the second attempt this weekend.

“They were bitterly disappointed by the Quins postponement because they were obviously ready and confident,” he said.

“But they understand and just have to deal with the cards they are dealt. Now it’s all looking ahead to Hull KR.”

Given the recent cold spell, the Bulls face a big task to get their own house in order and ensure the Odsal fixture doesn’t suffer the same fate.

“We’ve got quite a lot of work to do,” Hood admitted.

“There is so much, not just on the playing surface but in the stands as well with all the ice that needs clearing, but we’re confident we’ll be sorted and everything is underway.”