A mix and match approach should keep the Bulls’ rivals guessing next season.

Depth and versatility were the key considerations when assembling the new-look squad and even boss Mick Potter admits he is not yet sure of his strongest team.

Particularly throughout the backs, Bradford are blessed with players able to adapt to a number of positions, with stand-off one spot that appears to be up for grabs.

Despite the absence of an obvious, out-and-out No 6, the presence of Brett Kearney, Danny Addy and Shad Royston among others will allow Potter to select different combinations to suit different situations.

He said: “Patrick Ah Van will come in and he can play full back, wing or centre, but he can also play stand-off.

“Brett Kearney is a fantastic player with good anticipation, while Danny Addy has good potential at No 6. Shad Royston can play stand-off, full back or centre, as can Paul Sykes.

“If you look elsewhere too, Chev Walker can play in the back row or centre and Michael Platt can play centre, wing or full back.

“It’s helpful to have those players because when you have injuries, you still want to be able to pick a strong team.

“The versatility, the quality and quantity of players we’ve brought in was important. We’ve not just brought in players who can play one position.”

With room available beneath the salary cap, the Bulls remain keen to bring in a specialist stand-off before the start of the new campaign but will only do so if the right deal presents itself.

One spot that does appear nailed on is scrum half, where recent arrival Marc Herbert will assume play-making duties from the departing Matt Orford.

Potter said: “At No 7, Marc Herbert is a young, up-and-coming player. He’s not Matt Orford.

“It’s probably one of the toughest positions mentally and physically but I’m confident Marc fits the bill.

“You require so many different skills to play that position and you’ve got to be demanding on so many other people to force them to play the way you want to play. Marc has the ability to do that job.”

Matt Diskin’s arrival from Leeds means there will be a three-way fight in another of the key play-making positions, putting Heath L’Estrange’s role as starting hooker under threat.

Wayne Godwin rounds out the trio who will slug it out for game-time and Potter believes it can only bolster his side’s chances.

He said: “There was an opportunity to bring in Matt Diskin and he makes our squad better. Take nothing away from Wayne Godwin or Heath L’Estrange, they’re very good players.

“The beauty of having Matt Diskin is that he can play lock or hooker, while Heath L’Estrange can play half back, five-eighth or hooker and Wayne Godwin can play hooker.

“So we’ve got the opportunity to shift players but ultimately what we want to do is put our best team out.

“If it works out that all three are in our best team, then so be it. But there will sometimes be situations where one of them is disappointed.

“It’s about internal pressure and making sure we get the best possible team out on any given week.”