BULLS boss Jimmy Lowes has paid tribute to his players for their efforts so far during pre-season.

Lowes' squad began training earlier this month and will now have a break until November 8, when they will resume their preparations for the 2015 campaign.

Over a dozen new faces have arrived since the end of last season but Lowes is delighted with how they have integrated into the group.

"There is a long way to go but the boys have really ripped in so far, which is all you can ask for during pre-season," said the Odsal head coach.

"It will be completely different when we start to play games but at the moment they are doing more than what is being asked of them.

"Rugby players, in particular, tend to bond pretty easily and the new boys have been made to feel very welcome.

"To be fair, they haven't stood back themselves; they have got stuck in and really got to know each other."

Lowes is also buoyed by his new backroom team, which consists of Karl Harrison (assistant), John Bastian (head of youth), Matt Diskin (under-19s coach), Gary Dempsey (strength and conditioning coach) and Lance Du'Lac (performance analyst).

"They're not only people I trust but they are good people and that's more important than anything," said Lowes.

"There is some outstanding expertise with Gary and Lance. I believe they will have a huge influence on this team."