New arrival Marc Herbert has revealed he turned down other offers in Super League and the NRL to join the Bulls.

The 23-year-old Aussie finalised a move to Odsal yesterday, signing a one-year deal following his release from Canberra Raiders.

But despite finding opportunities limited at his home-town club last term, Herbert was still in demand down under, with former premiers Melbourne Storm among those thought to be keen on signing the scrum half.

There was interest on these shores too, with Hull FC mentioned in the Australian press as possible suitors, but Herbert felt Bradford were the best of the bunch.

“Bradford approached me and, although I had a couple of offers here, I decided this one was the best option,” he said.

“Some might say it’s a big move at this age but I guess it depends on the way you look at it. Personally, I think it’s a good opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve had limited opportunities in the NRL so I wanted to try Super League. It seems pretty quick and it’s a good quality of football so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Importantly, Super League received glowing references from those Herbert turned to for advice.

Crusaders hooker Lincoln Withers and Warrington playmaker Michael Mon-aghan both recommended the move, while Herbert is also looking to his girlfriend as a key source of inside information.

“It’s all going to be new to me because I’ve never played over there and I’ve never even visited over there.

“I know it’s going to be pretty cold but it can be cold enough in Canberra so I’m not to bothered about that.

“I’m heading over with my girlfriend and she’s been to England before so she’s given me an idea of what to expect.

“I know a few guys who have played over there too, like Lincoln Withers, so I spoke to them before making the decision. I also asked Joel Monaghan about how his brother was going over there and he told me he was loving it, both in terms of the lifestyle and the footy.

“All the guys I spoke to had good things to say about it.”

Herbert arrives as a ready-made replacement for previous No 7 Matt Orford, who is on the verge of an NRL return after requesting a release from the final two years of his Bulls contract.

He said: “I’ve spoken to Mick a couple of times already. We had a good chat when Bradford first showed interest and he told me what they would be expecting from me and what they saw for me. He explained pretty much everything about it.

“He wants me to take a good half back’s role and lead the team round the park so I want to establish myself early as a key player in the team and then hopefully everything will follow on from there.”