Leon Pryce is back from the shoulder injury that kept him out of the Grand Final and Great Britain's Tri-Nations campaign feeling fitter and stronger than ever.

Pryce dislocated his shoulder attempting to score in the final stages of the play-off victory at Leeds and his game-breaking talents were sorely missed when the Bulls went down limply in the Grand Final two weeks later. On Sunday he marked his return with a trademark try in the 50-30 pre-season victory over Huddersfield Giants.

"I was a little bit nervous," admitted Pryce.

"Having been out since September I was obviously excited, but also a little bit nervous.

"But this year is probably the best I have trained in the off-season. I am not the best trainer in the world, but I have put my head down this year and really enjoyed my training with Clogger strength and conditioning coach Martin Clawson and the boys. This is probably the fittest and sharpest I have felt in three or four years."

Pryce's return was a reminder of just how much talent the Bulls still have at their disposal despite the long-term injury to Shontayne Hape and the suspension of off-season recruit Ryan Hudson pending the outcome of an RFL doping inquiry.

"There has been a little bit of negative stuff happen to us, with a few injuries and other things, but it was good to get a good hit-out and we'll take a lot of confidence from that game," he said.

And the emergence of the younger Pryce, Karl, who scored a hat-trick playing on the wing, was another positive.

"Bringing your home-grown players through into the first team is what it is all about," said Leon.

"Karl did well. He needs to keep lifting himself. When he plays at this level he seems to lift his game. I don't think playing under-21s is any good for him any more. But if he wants to stay in the first team he needs to carry on like he did against Huddersfield."

The Bulls' opening day opponents, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, are today expected to announce the signing of former Australia representative Julian O'Neil. The colourful 32-year-old half joined French rugby union club Pau from Widnes on a three-year deal at the end of last season, but has been seeking a way back into Super League since the French club's financial collapse.