BULLS managing director Steve Ferres believes the competition for places within Jimmy Lowes' squad will ensure no player rests easy in 2015.

Ferres has worked closely with head coach Lowes to assemble a 30-man squad for this year's promotion bid.

The strength and depth currently at Lowes' disposal has seen Bradford installed as favourites with bookmakers to finish top of the Championship.

Ferres is certainly looking forward to seeing how the team shapes up in terms of selection, with the back row and hooking role appearing fiercely competitive.

"The competition for places in the back row is particularly strong and it's going to be really interesting to see how that pans out," said the former Castleford chief executive.

"We've probably got five front-line back-rowers and another four who can also play there. That creates great competition for places.

"At hooker, Adam O'Brien did really well last season but now he's going to be challenged.

"We've two young kids in Nathan Conroy and Vila Halafihi who are snapping at his heels. Adam is loving it, though, and he's helping them along too.

"This competition for places is healthy and it's a case of everyone wanting to drag his mate along.

"At the end of the day, when they get on that paddock, it's whoever performs the best that will get the shirt.

"I think everybody is also excited to see how our half-backs perform because they're key players.

"With the way (Lee) Gaskell went at the end of last season, and the way Harry (Siejka) is training, it certainly looks very exciting."

Ferres acknowledged that Lowes would rotate his squad throughout the season, with one eye on the Super Eight play-offs.

But he insisted that every player must stay on their toes and be ready for the call at any time.

Ferres said: "There will be rotations, so it's important that the players push themselves and each other as much as possible. That will minimise any loss to the team when Jimmy is rotating the team.

"It's going to be a long season and a difficult one – but I wouldn't have thought they could be any better prepared. Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding."

Asked if he felt the Bulls had the strongest squad in the Championship, Ferres added: "We believe we have – but if you ask Leigh, they probably feel the same.

"We're comfortable with what we've got in terms of the players we have and their skill and ability levels.

"We've got the ability to rotate so that if and when we get into the Super Eights, we can go into those games with a fresh squad.

"At the end of the day, getting into the Super Eights is one thing – but winning promotion is another.

"It's the old adage, one game at a time, but there will be no lack of effort in any way, shape or form from anyone at the club."