Brian McDermott admits he is benefiting from the arrival of Kiwi powerhouse Joe Vagana as much as anyone.

The longest-serving member of the Bulls squad has developed a unique reputation among props in the modern game by regularly lasting the 80 minutes.

But the workaholic forward, who hopes to celebrate his 31st birthday with a win at Salford tonight, says he's enjoying a less pressurised role.

"I only managed to squeeze in 27 minutes at Wakefield last week," smiled McDermott.

"I have not had my wages docked yet for playing less, but if anyone suggests it I want extra money for the last few seasons!

"Having someone like Joe, whether he in on the bench or starting, is a big boost. His name proceeds him, but he is also looking as fit now as he has for two or three years.

''He has done a lot of hard work because there is no unlimited interchange over here like there is Down Under, and you just have to be fit."

McDermott is delighted with the start the side have made under new coach Brian Noble:

"It's been another good start to the season. A lot of the things we are trying in training are coming off, and a lot of people are enjoying themselves.

"The mood is different. We are not doing anything particularly different in training as far as tactics goes. It's just a different outlook.

''That's no slight on Mattie (Matt-hew Elliott). It's just like having a new teacher at school - the atmosphere does tend to change."

The Bulls rattled up 148 points in two games against the Reds last season, but McDermott says it would be dangerous to take another spree for granted.

"It pointless commenting on the 96-6 win we had at Odsal. I think we lost the following week to Wigan so it can't have been that good for us.

"At Salford it was a bit different because the first half-hour was a real test for us.

"We were blowing teams away at that stage so it was a bit of a shock when they really gave it to us, and they led for a while through Martin Offiah's drop goal.

"We are ready for another arm wrestle tonight, and if they do get a roll-on they have got the ability to spread the ball with Bobbie Goul-ding and Steve Blakeley in there, and they have a fair bit of pace too."