JAMES Clare reckons the signing of Mitch Clark will prove a smart bit of business by the Bulls.

The son of former Bradford Northern forward Trevor Clark linked up with Jimmy Lowes' squad for pre-season training on Monday.

The imposing forward has arrived from Doncaster, where Clare came across him in a pre-season friendly while playing for Castleford earlier this year.

The Tigers won 32-12 at the Keepmoat Stadium but Bulls star Clare recalled: "Mitch was definitely Doncaster's stand-out player that day.

"He's got a fantastic left-arm offload and he looks a great player. I really enjoyed watching him and playing against him.

"Jimmy will develop Mitch as a player by playing to his strengths and working on any weaknesses. I'm excited about playing with him at Bradford."

The Bulls underwent fitness testing at Salford University on Monday and trained at Tong yesterday.

Clare has been happy to rip into pre-season after a disjointed 2015 campaign which saw him join the Bulls midway through the year. He said: "I've enjoyed my break and am glad to be back.

"The 2015 campaign started off very well for me personally as I was playing regularly at Castleford and the team was going quite well too.

"Towards the middle of the season, I got sent out to York, which I thoroughly enjoyed anyway. It was almost like finishing on a high by going to Bradford – except for losing in the Million Pound Game, of course.

"I joined the Bulls at the most exciting time of the year and everything went well except for that last game. But I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to going again next year."

Clare impressed on the wing and at full back for the Bulls but missed out on selection in the all-important Million Pound Game.

He said: "I completely respect Jimmy as a coach and I understand any decision he makes. I'm ready to work hard and hopefully force him to pick me next time.

"I obviously didn't see any of the other Bradford boys during pre-season last year because I was still a Castleford player. It's interesting to see the mentality they bring and the way they approach pre-season itself.

"Obviously Jimmy was renowned for being one of the toughest rugby players in the sport. It will be interesting to see how he deals with the pre-season element himself as well.

"It's just a great chance to test myself personally and obviously put myself in front of those players who are your friends but, at the same time, your rivals as well."