OSCAR Thomas was glad to see the back of his first season with Bradford Bulls.

Out-of-favour under former coach Rohan Smith, he returned to his native London to play for the Skolars and also lost his place in the Scotland squad.

He then returned to Odsal to find a club heading for liquidation and the final year of his two-year deal about to be ripped up.

But now, as the new Championship season enters round two, things are starting to look up again for both Thomas and the Bulls.

The club may have been docked 12 points by the Rugby Football League – but they are back in business with new owners and a new coach.

Stand-off Thomas has signed a new one year deal and is back in the first team - having played as fullback in the opening round loss at Hull KR.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's home game against Rochdale Hornets, the 23-year-old admits that he now wants to shake off the disappointment of his first 12 months in West Yorkshire.

"It was difficult last year. Differences of opinion meant I was not hitting the team so I had to go to the Skolars to get some game time," he said. "It didn't work out for me and I didn't get picked for Scotland for the Four Nations.

"Its not been the easiest of times but I have kept my head level and I have trained hard. I don't think you can do anything else. If you do, you are never going to stand any chance."

Thomas feels the arrival of Australian coach Geoff Toovey can help kick-start his career with the Bulls.

"I like the new coach. He will tinker with a few things in attack and defence and, personally, it works for me. A lot of the boys have warmed to him. He's quite a friendly type who likes to talk a lot - but he is not going to make it easy on the pitch."

Reflecting on the 54-24 defeat at Hull KR, Thomas said: "It was a good game. The result wasn't perfect but there was definitely stuff to build on for the rest of the season.

"I enjoyed it and I don't mind what position I play as long as I have had some practice in it and feel comfortable. It was our first proper hit out against a side that will do well this season. For a young side, we did well to hold our own."

Newly-promoted Rochdale Hornets opened their campaign with a shock 46-0 victory over the Dewsbury Rams.

Thomas said: "It's a big game this weekend and hopefully we will get our first points. They seem a confident side after promotion and got a good result but I think we will go fine."

And with the Rugby League World Cup due to take place at the end of the current season, Thomas also hopes to re-establish his credentials as an international for Scotland.

"Obviously, I want to be involved in the World Cup," he said. "But to do that, first of all, I know I need to have good games here. I have never changed my attitude and, the type of player I am, I do back myself to show people what I can do."