ROHAN Smith believes the Bulls need another "five or six" new additions as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.

It was yesterday confirmed that Jay Pitts will be joining skipper Adrian Purtell at London Broncos next season as the mass exodus at Odsal continues.

It was also announced that Australian forward Rhys Lovegrove is to retire and take up a role as a strength and conditioning coach with the Bulls' academy until the end of the season.

Lovegrove was forced to hang up his boots after suffering a severe concussion during the Challenge Cup defeat at Dewsbury in March.

He has not played since and his retirement has left Smith's squad further depleted ahead of next season, leaving the head coach searching for more numbers.

"I think there is probably five or six signings that need to be made to ensure we have a strong roster next season," said the Bradford head coach.

"We will see who is available and there may be further changes to the roster, so it's all exciting and positive looking forward.

"We are potentially full in terms of backs but we definitely need more numbers in the forwards.

"We've had quite a few backs offered to us in the last few weeks but we are not going to stockpile players for the sake of it.

"We are going to focus on what our needs are. A couple of back-rowers and a couple of front-rowers are definitely high on the agenda."

Tom Olbison's future remains uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of the season and still searching for a deal for next year.

Smith, who could pick fit-again hooker Joe Lumb for Monday's trip to Dewsbury, said of Olbison: "I'm open-minded about Tom because I'm still finalising places in my squad.

"We speak on a weekly basis, so we know where each other stands on that."

Lovegrove, meanwhile, will work largely with the Bulls' under-16s and under-19s sides.

Smith said: "It's unfortunate the circumstance that Rhys prematurely finished his career in his time with the Bulls as a player.

"But Rhys has got a lot to offer as far as development of youth goes, plus he'll be a part of our physical performance staff, so he's got an opportunity to add some skills there.

"Rhys is extremely experienced and he's been at several NRL clubs as well as playing Super League for a long time. He's played under some great coaches and he's seen a lot of good systems.

"Rhys has got plenty of knowledge and a real appetite for helping people, which is the area where he can bring the young players along to help them become a pro as quick as they can."

Pitts, meanwhile, is relishing his move to London next season after spending the past two-and-a-half years at Bradford.

"I'm thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to play with London," he said.

"You can see the Broncos are building a team for a successful future and whether or not they gain promotion this year, they'll give it a really good push.

"They've worked very hard as a squad to have a strong 2016 season and should only come back stronger in 2017.

"The last three seasons at Bradford have been fantastic and I'm very grateful to all the boys I've played with and all the coaching staff I've worked under during my time here.

"Bradford Bulls restored my passion and love for the game and will remain a special place to me – but I am now looking forward to the next challenge in my career.

"A move to the capital is really exciting and I'm really looking forward to joining the boys ahead of a big season next year."