Adam Sidlow needs no extra motivation to perform this season – he wants to earn himself a new contract.

The imposing Bulls prop arrived from Salford on a two-year deal 12 months ago and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at the Provident Stadium.

He made 19 Super League appearances and scored five tries, including a famous point-saving touchdown in the memorable 18-18 draw at Leeds over Easter.

His season was cruelly cut short by a knee injury sustained during the defeat at Wigan on July 5 but he is now approaching full fitness and ready to re-establish himself in Francis Cummins’ side.

The 26-year-old Wiganer said: “I want to earn a new deal – that’s my mindset this year.

“As I’ve said every time anyone has asked me, I like it at Bradford and I need to have a good season. If I can do well then hopefully Franny will offer me another contract.

“That’s what I’m looking for and I would hope to know by about April time.

“That’s when they have to let you know – they send you a letter saying whether they intend to offer you another contract. Hopefully things work out for me.”

Sidlow accepts the arrival of Garreth Carvell has increased competition for places in the front row at Odsal.

The acquisition of Carvell from Warrington was seen as a major coup and Sidlow is a confirmed admirer of the England international.

The Bulls have a fine roster of props in Carvell, Sidlow, Nick Scruton and Manase Manuokafoa, while Ben Evans could also return to the club on another loan from Warrington.

“I think we needed someone like Carvell,” added Sidlow.

“We’ve got Nas and Scrutes, who are excellent props, but Gaz has so much experience and has done so well at Warrington.

“He can pass that knowledge on to us.

“I have watched rugby league since I was a young lad and looked up to the likes of Jamie Peacock.

“Garreth is similar and I’ve watched him for many years now.

“He does an outstanding job and that’s what I aspire to do.

“We’ve got the makings of a good pack this year, especially if we can get Ben Evans here as well.

“Competition for places is always good when you’ve got injuries like we had last year.”

Sidlow is hoping his own injury woes are a thing of the past after recovering from a knee operation which ended his season prematurely.

He explained: “All things considered, after my operation and the injury I had, I’m doing really well.

“I’ve got through all the conditioning and the weights work, so I’m more or less in full training now.

“I’m not doing every area of contact but I’ve just started wrestling and am not far off full fitness.

“I’ll definitely be ready for the start of the season and should be fit for the first pre-season game at Dewsbury.”