New recruit Luke Gale put his Leeds heritage firmly behind him yesterday and declared: “I’m a 100 per cent Bull.”

The classy half-back from Middleton in South Leeds completed his first day’s work as a Bradford player following his close-season move from Harlequins.

Gale, 23, was born into a family of Rhinos fans and progressed through the youth ranks at Headingley.

Yet there was no mistaking where his allegiances now lie after being put through his paces at the Bulls’ training HQ at Tong.

He said: “It was my first training session but the desire among the group was very evident.

“The lads were really going hard at it and there seems a real hunger around the place to get the club back up where they belong.

“Yes, Bradford have had a few bad seasons but they obviously want to get back up there.

“A massive club like this needs to be up there fighting in the play-offs.”

Gale, whose rugby league career began at Middleton Marauders, is well aware of the Bulls’ history and their passionate fanbase.

He explained: “I can remember coming to Odsal for Bradford-Leeds derby games. Bradford always had a massive pack and they were always great games with a fantastic atmosphere.

“The support here has always been huge and, like I say, everyone seems determined to make sure we have a better year in 2012.”

Not that Gale is expecting all of his family to turn up at Odsal wearing red, amber and black next season.

He said: “A few of them have given me some stick, saying they will never be Bulls supporters.

“A couple of them are Hunslet Hawks fans and they don’t like Leeds but the majority are Rhinos supporters. Leeds and Bradford have always been bitter rivals and I’ve had a bit of stick locally, but it’s all good fun.”

Gale penned a two-year deal with the Bulls after turning down offers from elsewhere and is brimming with confidence after two recent outings for the newly-formed England Knights in victories against France and Cumbria.

Gale underlined his quality with tries in both games and added: “A few teams came in for me but obviously Bradford are a massive club.

“I thought this was a great opportunity for me and I’m absolutely delighted to be a Bulls player.”