Michael Platt is happy to look after number one but knows the shirt on his back will mean nothing this season.
Despite being handed the Bulls’ No 1 jersey by boss Mick Potter, Platt is refusing to take selection for granted.
Every place is up for grabs in a new-look line-up and a dip in performances could easily lead to a fall from grace.
“It’s always nice to have a one-to-13 squad number but it really doesn’t mean anything this year,” said Platt.
“Maybe in the past I would’ve thought the coaches saw me as a full back but with Mick coming in and a totally new squad, I don’t think it gives me a jump over anyone else.
“I don’t think it means I’ll necessarily be playing full back either.”
Platt previously held the No 1 spot in 2009, when he was seen as first-choice full back by then coach Steve McNamara.
But the 26-year-old lost his place and his shirt to Dave Halley at the start of last season and has since made a successful shift to centre.
“I lost the No 1 the year before last and when I dropped down I was really disappointed,” said the Manchester-born star.
“When Macca did that I knew he saw Dave Halley as his full back and that was what left me disappointed.
“This year I’m not as excited being given the No 1 because you can’t take anything for granted.
“I’ve been all over the show in training – at full back, centre and even a little bit of wing. In the Halifax game Mick even said he might bring me on at second row and even now I’m not sure whether he was joking or not.
“I’ll play wherever I’m needed and I know that wherever Mick picks me, it’ll be for the benefit of the team.”
So far, working with Potter has proved to be a serious learning curve.
"He’s definitely the boss figure," said Platt. "Nobody pushes their luck too far with him and we all know he’ll come down hard if you take the mickey.
"I’m learning a lot, although that’s not to say I didn’t in previous years.
"It’s nothing against the previous regime because I picked up a lot from Macca but it can be good to learn different techniques. It’s been good to pick Mick’s brain."
Both the Bulls and opponents Wakefield are expected to field full-strength sides in Sunday’s pre-season clash at Odsal (3pm), with a mixed team set to face the Cougars on Friday night.
The Wildcats game will be Bradford’s final outing before the start of the new campaign and admission costs £12 for adults and £6 concessions.
Bulls chief executive Ryan Duckett said: “This is the last chance for players from both sides to impress ahead of selection for the Millennium Magic season opener and both coaches will be looking to finalise their thoughts on what line-up will be playing.
“We are unbeaten in our two pre-season games but expect the Wildcats to give us our sternest test ahead of the season.”
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