SAMIR Tahraoui insists a tough pre-season schedule is just what he needs as the Bulls prepare for their Championship challenge.

The former Warrington Wolves front-rower is relishing the thought of tackling a trio of Super League clubs in the build-up to the campaign opener at Leigh.

Tahraoui said: “We have a few really exciting games coming up against Castleford, Leeds and Huddersfield and the prospect of being involved in them excites me greatly.

“If selected, those matches will give me a real chance to test myself and measure the progress I have made.

“I do a lot of strength and conditioning work away from training, so I’m keen to ensure I am performing at the same level as the rest of the squad.

“I am learning a lot from my colleagues and the competition excites me. It offers a challenge to better myself.”

The towering 23-year-old has cut his teeth in the second tier with Whitehaven and is well aware of the hot reception the Bulls can expect from February.

He added: “Every game against us will be like a Grand Final for the majority of our opponents. We are under no illusions as to how challenging next season is going to be.

“Having played against some of the second tier’s top teams last year with Whitehaven, I know how much of a potential scalp Bradford will be to them next term.

“For a lot of the boys, the Championship might take some adjusting to next year but there is a lot of talent here. We are more than capable of achieving our goals.”

Fans who pre-purchased tickets for Wednesday’s carol service at Odsal will be contacted and refunded in full.

The event was pulled by the club on health and safety grounds after receiving adverse weather warnings.

A spokesman said: “We have a duty of care and responsibility for those attending.”