JEAN-PHILIPPE Baile believes the rest of the Championship will be out to “kill” Bradford next season but has warned them: We’re ready for you!

The new signing from Catalan Dragons is in his second week of pre-season training with the Bulls as he gears up for a big campaign in 2015.

The 27-year-old France international is not fazed by dropping down a division but he admits his new side will be seen as a major scalp by their second-tier rivals.

Next year will see Bradford ply their trade outside of the top flight for the first time in 41 years.

Baile, a centre or second rower, said: “All the games will be very hard for Bradford next year because we have come down from Super League and everyone will want to kill us.

“A lot of people around the world know about Bradford and the history of the club. So many good players have played here and the club won a lot of trophies in the past. That’s why the Bulls are recognised on a global scale.

“Beating us will be seen as a major scalp by all the other teams in the Championship.

“Like I say, they will want to kill Bradford next year so we have to be ready for the challenge.”

After seven years at Catalan, Baile was ready for a new challenge and happy to accept a two-year deal from Bulls boss Jimmy Lowes.

“I had a great time at Catalan,” said Baile. “I reached the play-off semi-finals under Kevin Walters in 2009, played with some great players and I have a lot of friends there.

“But in the last two or three seasons I’ve not played too much and I needed to move to try and play more regularly.

“I spoke with my manager and there was interest from Super League teams but some clubs then changed coaches and the opportunities were gone.

“The Bulls was a good option to me and yes, I know we are in the Championship, but the club wants to come back straight away.

“I think we have a good team this year and there are a lot of good young players here, so I believe we can come straight back up.

“I’ve signed a two-year deal and I would love to have the second year of it in Super League.

“I played against Lee Gaskell when he was at Saints and I’ve also come up against Danny Addy, Matty Blythe and Chev Walker.

“There are some experienced Super League players here and that bodes well.”

Baile spoke to several former Bradford players at Catalans and each of them gave their former club a ringing endorsement.

Baile, who played in all three of France’s European Championship games against Ireland, Wales and Scotland, said: “I spoke to guys such as Elliott Whitehead, Leon Pryce, Ian Henderson and Olivier Elima.

“They said Bradford was a very good club and a good team on and off the field. They all said they believed I would do well here.”

Baile’s girlfriend will remain in France for the first season of his two-year stint at Odsal.

Meanwhile, he is sharing a house in Tingley with former Catalan team-mate Mickael Simon, who has joined Wakefield.

Baile said: “My girlfriend has got a good job as a civil engineer and needs to stay one more year.

“But she will be here for my second year and will be here often to visit me in Bradford. Living with Mickael should help me to settle.”

As competition for places within Lowes’ squad intensifies, Baile declared: “I think Jimmy wants me in the centres but I like playing in all positions – centre, second row or even hooker.

“If you have a lot of competition then it can only be good for every player.

“It makes you train and play hard, and having a big squad bodes well too.”