Patrick Ah Van is ready to put the boot in for the Bulls – after taking tips from a goal-kicking great.

Despite limited kicking experience at first-grade level, the Kiwi utility back has honed his skills through a series of tutorials with kicking guru Daryl Halligan.

A former New Zealand Test star and player with both North Sydney Bears and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Halligan is renowned as a top-class mentor.

The first player in NRL history to score 2,000 points, he registered 855 goals at an impressive success rate of 80 per cent, and has taught Australian internationals Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith among many others.

Last season, Halligan’s class seemed to be rubbing off on Ah Van, who finished as Auckland Vulcans’ top-scorer in the New South Wales Cup, managing 41 goals and six tries in just 11 games.

He will face competition for the Bulls’ kicking duties from Paul Sykes and Marc Herbert but is happy to put his hand up.

“I did a lot of goal-kicking last year and was pleased with that,” said Ah Van. “I’ve done a bit of it at first grade as well so I don’t mind putting my hand up for the Bulls.

“I’ve been taught by one of the best in Daryl Halligan so I have just taken in all of his teachings and then try to use them. He helped me heaps.”

There is also some doubt over the position Ah Van will play next season.

Regularly used at wing, centre and full back, the 22-year-old added another string to his bow with the Vulcans by filling in at stand-off on several occasions and doesn’t mind where he ends up.

He said: “I’m not fussed where I play as long as I get out on the field. Wherever I play, I’ll try my best. I’ve played wing, centre and full back and I also played a bit of stand-off last year for the Auckland team.

“I’ve not had the chance to watch much Super League but everyone’s saying this kind of footy will suit me, so I’m looking forward to getting going and hopefully I can put that out onto the field.

“Back home, Super League comes on TV too early in the morning so it’s pretty tough to wake up. I’ve tried to watch some of it though and I enjoy it.”

Long-term, Ah Van has also set his sights on a return to international rugby.

Despite representing New Zealand throughout the junior age groups, while also captaining the Junior Kiwis in 2007, the Auckland-born star has pledged allegiance to Samoa, who he represented in last year’s Pacific Cup qualifier, scoring two tries in a loss to the Cook Islands.

He said: “I want to play international at some stage but I’ve just put my name down for Samoa. I played for them last year and I want to stick to my roots and play for them in the future.

“First of all is the Bulls’ season and if I’m playing well enough to play international then that’s just a bonus.”