Former Australia international and Manly boss Geoff Toovey has been appointed as head coach of Bradford Bulls.

The appointment of Toovey, who was in charge of Manly from 2012 to 2015, was announced at a press conference at Odsal fronted by new owners Andrew Chalmers and Graham Lowe.

"Geoff has agreed terms with us to become our head coach," Lowe said. "He's a proven and uncompromising coach and such a good leader. He will be an exciting addition."

Lowe also announced the appointment of former England international Leon Pryce as captain on his return to the club.

SEE OUR LIVE BLOG FROM THE BRADFORD BULLS CONFERENCE

Pryce will lead the team for the first time when Bradford play Huddersfield in a pre-season friendly at the John Smith's Stadium.

"Leon's leadership is very obvious to us," said Lowe, who revealed the club will have a total of 26 players after agreeing deals with replacements for the 11 who have left the old club.

Toovey, 47, a member of Australia's 2005 World Cup-winning team, is expected to arrive in England by the end of next week and, in the meantime, backroom coach Leigh Beattie will prepare the team for Sunday's game.

Lowe confirmed the new Bradford club will still be known as the Bulls and announced Jas Athwal, deputy lieutenant of West Yorkshire, as the new chairman.

"It was a big surprise when Graham and Andrew asked but I've been in Bradford for over 50 years and it's a big honour," Athwal said. "I'm proud to accept."

Leigh Beattie is expected to be in charge of the side for Sunday's match at Huddersfield Giants which is a Testimonial game for Luke Robinson.

MORE BRADFORD BULLS HEADLINES