REISS Butterworth intends to push his Bulls claims from day one of pre-season training.

The squad are ready to return to Tong next week to begin the build-up towards the 2018 campaign.

Joint-owner Andrew Chalmers is setting a high bar with the recruitment programme so far as the Bulls aim to win League One undefeated.

But the club's homegrown youngsters are likely to get their opportunity as well and Butterworth is determined to be at the front of the queue.

The 18-year-old hooker made four appearances last season and is hungry to experience more.

"It was a difficult year but it gave the likes of myself and Evan (Hodgson) a shot at it," he said.

"I got the chance and felt that I took it at times when I played, so hopefully next season I'll get some more opportunities.

"That's what I will be focusing on, right from when we come back."

Butterworth, Hodgson and academy starlet Olly Wilson signed three-year deals at Odsal last month. That commitment from the club has convinced him that he can play a part in the promotion campaign.

Butterworth said: "It's been a childhood dream since I started playing rugby to play for the Bulls. To sign quite a long-term deal was fantastic.

"Now that's all done, all I've got to concentrate on is my rugby and hopefully pushing for a spot.

"It's a big jump from the under-19s. Playing first-grade is so physical with the shots and the hits.

"The speed of the game is also completely different. But I've played a few games now and got some experience, so I'm ready to try my hardest.

"I want to help take this club back to where they should be. It's been tough and the fans deserve better.

"When you walk out, to hear all that cheering – that doesn't happen anywhere else. The aim now is to get straight back up from League One and start rebuilding again."