The Bulls are able to breathe a sigh of relief after high-profile overseas signings Heath L’Estrange and Brett Kearney had their visa applications approved.

Third arrival Glenn Hall is also expected to receive his visa within a week after initially being turned down.

It means the Aussie trio should all be able to link up with the rest of the Bulls squad for pre-season training during the next fortnight.

The news is a welcome boost for the club, especially following the problems they experienced in attempting to bring former Australian Test star Greg Bird to the country last year.

Bird was denied a visa as he was awaiting trial on criminal charges when he made his application but subsequently had no problem gaining the paperwork to sign for French Super League side Catalans Dragons.

The 25-year-old is currently awaiting an appeal later this month against his conviction for reckless wounding.

Asked if the approvals came as a relief, Bulls media and football manager Stuart Duffy said: “Very much so.

“But we were always confident that we were going to get these players because the situation was completely different to the one with Greg Bird.

“Glenn had to reapply due to a change in his family circumstances. Initially his wife wasn’t going to travel over with him but now she is, which is why there has been a delay.”

Although the Bulls were not worried about obtaining the necessary paperwork for their three signings, a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to secure their arrival.

Visas usually take around three to four weeks to go through the system and involve an extensive application process, including obtaining a sponsorship number and biometric checks to identify any past, current, and potential medical problems.

Last year, the UK Border Agency tightened their criteria for applications and Bird was one of four high-profile NRL players to be denied entry to the country.

New Zealand World Cup winner Greg Eastwood has only been given permission to join Leeds Rhinos this winter after initially seeing the move collapse due to speeding offences.

As a result, Eastwood was forced to sign with the Bulldogs in Australia last season while he awaited clearance.

A driving ban stopped Todd Carney from joining Challenge Cup finalists Huddersfield Giants, while Hull were denied the chance to bring in former Australia back-rower Michael Crocker.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast Titans winger Chris Walker continues to be linked with a move to Odsal.

The 29-year-old former Queensland State of Origin winger is known to be keen on a move to Super League after failing to agree terms with the Titans.

Bulls chief Steve McNamara has already admitted he is in the market for another overseas star, with the club having room in their 2010 quota for one more import.