Dave Halley says Steve McNamara was right to send him out on loan, admitting: I wasn’t up to speed.

There was some surprise when the Bulls winger departed to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on the eve of the new Super League season.

That was strengthened when he showed his finishing prowess with two tries on a dream Wildcats debut against Wigan.

But McNamara had told the 22-year-old that he wasn’t going to be playing regularly at Odsal in the opening weeks of the campaign due to fitness issues.

And with new signing Rikki Sheriffe and Semi Tadulala holding down the wide roles and Michael Platt at full back, it was plain to see Halley – who made 23 Super League appearances last year – was unlikely to get a look-in.

The decision caused a stir among some Bulls supporters, who see the home-grown player as a real crowd favourite.

But the Bradford boss felt he would benefit more and improve his fitness during a month’s stint at injury-struck Wakefield and the Wales international conceded: “It was the totally correct decision.

“I needed to go out and understand why Steve did it.

“By my own admission, I’ve not had the best pre-season.

“I wasn’t fit enough and when you look around seeing others doing better than you in training you know something has to be done.

“I’d had a few days off over the winter, had a few illnesses and lost quite a few kilograms.

“I realise I haven’t been up to my full potential and I must be this year – there are so many good players fighting for places in this Bulls squad.

“But I’m past that now. This Wakefield chance was the best thing for me and it’s proved the case.

“I’m feeling fitter, my weight’s going back up towards its target and everything is okay.

“If Bradford call me back I’m ready to fight for my place again but I know it will be tough; I went to watch them against Hull KR on Sunday and a few players were pretty outstanding.”

McNamara knew Halley would get guaranteed game time at their Super League rivals, who have been short of outside backs.

Come the weekend, when Wildcats travel to Salford, he will have played three matches for John Kear’s side.

In that time, the Bulls – with Reserve Grade action yet to start – will have stepped out just once against Hull KR following the Harlequins postponement and an upcoming free weekend.

“We’ve been pretty hectic,”

admitted Halley.

“I’ve only just found out Bradford haven’t a game this weekend while unlike the Bulls, we didn’t have that first game against Wigan called off.

“Then we played Leeds on Friday and we’ve got Salford away on Sunday.

“They played well against Celtic Crusaders on Saturday night so it will be another hard one for us “There’s Warrington coming up as well so I’ll have had plenty of games, which is what I needed.”

Halley, who admits his confidence had dipped due to his pre-season problems, scored within 55 seconds of his debut as Wakefield stunned Wigan 12-6 at the JJB Stadium.

He got his match-winning double soon after and said: “Personally, and as a team, it couldn’t have gone any better.

“I’ve enjoyed it all so far and mostly because we’ve had two good teams to play with Wigan and then Leeds.

“It’s not been easy and we’ve been chucked in at the deep end but it’s great.

“I know Richard Moore and Ryan Atkins from playing with them at Odsal so they’ve helped welcome me into the Wakefield squad here.

“Now we’ll see what happens.”