The Bulls broke camp in Portugal yesterday in upbeat mood, with coach Brian Noble confident his charges can put last year's unsuccessful season behind them.

"There is a buzz about the place," said Noble.

"It has been refreshing. The players are pumped up. I don't think they liked getting beat last year and that is going to spark us up for this year."

The new-found desire was illustrated by a picture of Joe Vagana hanging on the wall of the bar at the training complex in Vilamoura, said Noble.

After wholeheartedly celebrating the club's treble triumph last year, Vagana reported for pre-season training in terrible shape. But this year the Kiwi prop looks in fine fettle, having shed 20 kilos from the ample frame captured for posterity at the start of 2004.

Vagana's self-discipline was a reflection of the way the whole squad was approaching things this year, said Noble.

"You don't know until you go through it how losing will affect you.

"Last year was a losing season by our standards even though we got to the Grand Final and won the World Club Championship. But we set high standards and always will. I've done all the one-on-ones with the players now and they all feel it is a bit different this year as well."

Noble was particularly pleased with the way new signings Brad Meyers, Andy Lynch and Ryan Hudson had fitted in.

"All the new blokes have added something to the squad. It is a big year for a lot of people in the club."

Tickets for Sunday's game at Dewsbury are available from the Bulls Ticket Office on 08701-202040 and are priced at £12 and £6 for the Main Stand, with standing prices at £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and £1 for children.