Aussie recruits believe Bulls are geared up for success (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Aussie recruits believe Bulls are geared up for success

7:30am Saturday 28th November 2009

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First impressions have left the Bulls’ new Aussie trio convinced 2010 is going to be a good year.

Approaching the end of their first week at the club, Brett Kearney, Glenn Hall and Heath L’Estrange already feel part of the furniture at Odsal.

Unfazed by the shift in culture and rugby, all three have already been gripped by the spirit and positive attitude throughout Steve McNamara’s squad.

Not even an early morning hill session in the Yorkshire sunshine can dampen their spirits.

Former Manly star L’Estrange said: “I love it, it’s a great place. All the boys are good and we’re settling in very nicely.

“It’s all the way round the world but that’s not been a problem. The boys work as a team. Everyone’s talking to each other, everyone’s patting each other on the back and they’re all really tight.

“It’s a good place to be at the moment. Everyone’s happy and upbeat and you can’t beat that. We’re confident of what we can do next season.”

In the past, English rugby was often accused of being a retirement home for Australian stars but all three recruits believe they are coming to Bradford at the peak of their powers.

Kearney said: “I was told if you do come over here, you do it right. I had a couple of phone conversations with Steve and I knew this is what I wanted to do.

“The cold days haven’t worried me. I quite enjoy going home and sitting in front of the fire, watching TV.

“I don’t think the gap between the NRL and Super League is as big as it used to be and Super League’s by no means a place to come and retire.

“It’s a tough comp and I’m coming here to further my career, rather than wind it down.”

Hall, the oldest of the three at 28, is encouraged by the youthful make-up of the Bulls squad and is convinced several of the club’s academy graduates will make the step up to the first team next year.

“The guys here that missed out on the eight this year are hurting a bit, so if we can get that connection with them it will really help us and drive the season on,” he said.

“Some of the young fellas here, like the Burgess twins, have impressed me. They’re only 17 but they’re big lads and as fit as wolves and strong as an ox.

“All the young guys are really focused. I’ve not run around the park with a ball yet but what we’ve seen in training, just little things, they’re very impressive.”

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