NEW Bulls hooker Tyran Ott admits it is a running joke that "the Aussies are taking over", as he looks to have a real impact on the club's season.

Mitch Souter has already been one of Bradford's standout players this year, but two of his compatriots made their debut on Good Friday, Ott and Zac Fulton, with both looking right at home at Odsal as visiting Halifax were beaten 29-10 in an absorbing derby.

That first league win, after a heavy opening night defeat at Wakefield, has got Bulls' Betfred Championship campaign properly up and running, and the club's new Australian contingent are hoping to play a big part in building on that success against the Panthers.

Ott told the T&A: "It's a running joke between us guys that the Aussies boys are taking over here.

"It's been great to have all of us here and I actually knew Zac anyway from back home, as we've played footy together and worked with each other in the past.

"I knew of Mitch already, and it's been great to see what he's like in person now I'm at Bradford.

"There's good chemistry within the squad as a whole though, and the lads do a lot together outside of training and matches."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Second row Zac Fulton made quite the impact on his Bulls debut last Friday.Second row Zac Fulton made quite the impact on his Bulls debut last Friday. (Image: Tom Pearson)

Like Souter, Ott is primarily a hooker, and like Souter, the pair both have had their main rugby league experience playing NSW Cup matches in Australia.

Asked how that NSW Cup action has benefitted his career to date, Ott said: "It's quite a difficult competition and quite select in terms of who makes the grade to play in it.

"You play against hard and physical competition too, so it's good for those coming through in Australia who are trying to make it into the NRL.

"I'd been playing in it for a while before coming over here to join Bulls and it's been a good grounding in rugby league for me.

"I also feel it's helped improve my knowledge of the game too."

And Ott is likely to need that in-game knowledge heading into this Sunday's league game at Featherstone and beyond, given he is almost a sure-fire squad pick at the moment with Bulls' current injury problems.

He said: "It was good to put up that weekend win against Halifax when you consider we've been pretty depleted.

"A lot of people have come into the team quite last minute over the past few weeks and done a great job."

As for any added responsibility falling on his shoulders while so many players are still absent, Ott said: "The priority is just focusing on how I do on a personal level.

"If I get myself sorted and my own performance right, that allows me to do the best I can for the team, and then I can take people under my wing."

Ott replaced fellow hooker Souter off the bench with 25 minutes to go on Good Friday, but he can happily do a job in the halves or at loose forward too.

Discussing his versatility, Ott said: "It helps me out in terms of pushing myself into the team.

"Especially if I'm in that bench position like I was against Halifax, it allows movement in a few positions.

"I nearly went in the halves on Friday when Aidan (McGowan) hurt his shoulder in there, but luckily he was okay.

"For a coach to know he can use you in different positions, it gives you more chance of getting in the matchday squad."