NEW boss Rohan Smith has begun analysing his new squad from afar as he bids to transform the Bulls into serious promotion contenders.

The 35-year-old is due to arrive from Australia within the next week after securing the Bradford post on a three-year deal.

Smith has started watching footage of his players in action and is beginning to form ideas on the capabilities of the group.

"I've done a little bit of research and obviously asked a few questions before I took on the job," he said.

"Mostly it's about studying footage of games and getting a feel for each individual and their style of play while looking for areas we can improve or build on.

"Once I get over there, I'll lean on the staff to feed me with information because it's a team effort and not just about the head coach.

"I certainly don't know anywhere near as much about Bradford as I do about teams in the NRL at this moment in time.

"I'll be working hard to play catch-up and have been watching videos of games in the last few days.

"When I get over there, I'll be working hard and working smart to get up to speed with the competition so I can start making an impact."

Smith is familiar with Adrian Purtell from the Bulls captain's time in the NRL and has worked with Epalahame Lauaki at the New Zealand Warriors.

Lauaki has not featured for the Bulls since the opening-day home win against Featherstone.

Smith, who quit his job at Gold Coast Titans to make the move to Bradford, said: "I worked with Hame during my first time at the Warriors in 2003.

"I've come across him over the years since then, so I'll look forward to seeing where he is up to and working with him again.

"Adrian Purtell has had a long career and played a lot of games in the NRL before fighting back from some medical issues during his time at Bradford and becoming a key player there. I'm looking forward to working with him too."