New recruit Marc Herbert insists the Bulls set-up matches anything in the NRL.

Although the former Canberra Raiders half-back jetted in from Australia just ten days ago, first impressions, especially of the club’s Tong training base, have been good.

The Bulls relocated to their new HQ, based at Tong School, last year and the state-of-the-art facilities have played a major role in attract-ing new players to the club.

One of ten to arrive at Odsal so far during the off-season, Herbert has just finished his first full week of training and enjoyed every minute.

“It’s been good but it’s been tough,” he said. “I got in last Thursday and started with the boys on the Friday, then had a tough session on the Saturday as well.

“I’ve done a little bit of field work, a few skills and stuff, but it’s been mainly gym work. I’m really enjoying it.

“It’s a good set-up here and it’s good that all our training facilities are together because at Canberra you had to travel a little bit to get to all the different places. Here it’s all under one roof.

“It’s a real good set-up and it definitely compares to anything back home.”

Born and raised in Canberra, Herbert found it tough to leave his home-town club, especially relocating to the other side of the world.

But the transition has been eased by the presence of his girlfriend, who was able to provide the lowdown on what to expect in England.

Herbert said: “Her mum was born here in Birming-ham so she gets a British passport. She was over here a few years ago doing a gap year so it makes everything a little bit easier.

“It definitely helps to have someone to go home to and talk to. I think we’ll be happy here. It’s all been good. We just want to get out of the hotel, find a place and settle in.”

Although Herbert has yet to find a home, he has already begun to sample the culture, including one particularly popular British pastime.

He said: “We’ve been down to Manchester to watch a Man U game, which was pretty cool. BK (Brett Kearney) sorted me out with some tickets there and it was a really good day out.

“The other day we went down to Leeds and had a look and we’re trying to find a new place hopefully.

“It’s all been good and the weather’s not too bad, it’s been kind of friendly, although that could be misleading me a little bit!”