NEW coach Geoff Toovey is stepping into the Bulls hot-seat with his eyes wide open.

The former Manly boss and Australian international is due to arrive in England at the end of next week.

Graham Lowe described Toovey as "a champion" after a stellar playing career Down Under – and he insisted the former World Cup winner knows exactly the challenge that is waiting for him.

New co-owner Lowe said: "Geoff hasn't got anything to prove. He's done it all.

"Geoff is the type of guy that takes the word bravery to another level. It's that attitude that he will bring to Bradford Bulls.

"He's played in this area plenty of times before and he is under no illusions what to expect. He's a champion and he'll get it done.

"Geoff knows what's been going on. He feels like all of us thinking 'how did that happen?' But he's got the experience, the confidence and the talent to do something about it.

"He isn't coming here to try to reinvent the wheel. That's one of the great things about Tooves. He's got total respect for what's already here and will just add his bit where he sees necessary."

Toovey played more then 200 games in over a decade for the Sea Eagles, including a spell when Lowe was at the helm. The 47-year-old coached Manly from 2012 to 2015 and led them to the NRL final in his second season.

Toovey said in a statement: "I understand how tough it has been for everyone attached to the club. But this is our time now to turn things around and get Bradford back to where they belong – playing entertaining rugby league.

"I'm well aware of the challenge ahead of us. But as coaches and players, these are the things that encourage us to do better and make us achieve our goals."