PAUL Clough believes his upbringing at St Helens will hold him in good stead for the next chapter of his career at Odsal.

The new Bulls recruit is gearing up for a big campaign as he bids to get back into Super League with Jimmy Lowes' men.

Clough was nurtured in the academy at Saints and toured Australia with their under-16s side before being named the club's under-18s player of the year when he still only 16.

The former Blackbrook amateur broke into the first team in 2005 and was part of the side who won the treble under Daniel Anderson a year later.

That 2006 vintage is widely regarded as one of St Helens' best-ever teams and prop forward Clough said: "I've been coached by some great people in the academy at St Helens and in the first team.

"I made my debut in 2005 when I was 17, which set me up as a player really.

"There were things which Daniel Anderson taught me and it was wonderful to play with the likes of Kieron Cunningham and Sean Long.

"They gave me little tips which I still use in my game today, which shows you how far ahead of their time they were.

"If you get that good education, which I'm sure Jimmy will bring to Bradford, it does set young players on the right path.

"Coaching is vital and is one of the reasons I came to Bradford – to work with Jimmy and Karl Harrison. They're good British coaches and I'm looking forward to it.

"I spoke to Lee Gaskell about Bradford and he had nothing but good things to say about the club.

"I've also spoken to the chairman, the coach and other players and they have all been so positive about the future."

Clough spent the majority of last season on loan at Widnes and he made only 12 Super League appearances during an injury-disrupted year.

Having signed a two-year deal, he is now determined to make his mark with the Bulls.

"I play long minutes and I'm a ball-playing forward with a nice short-passing game and like to link with the halves too," said 27-year-old Clough.

"I work hard for the team and will give 100 per cent – that's one thing I always did at St Helens and throughout my career. It's actually something I pride myself on.

"Hopefully I can bring a little bit of skill but you've got to do the tough stuff around the middle as well. You will certainly see a lot from me and I will work hard to hopefully get myself selected."