Steve McNamara says his players have started pre-season with a steely determination after the disappointment of missing out on the Super League play-offs.

Preparations to avoid a repeat of last season’s ninth-place finish in 2010 began on Monday when the first batch of players returned to training.

But while the Bulls are using the painful memories as a motivating factor, they are equally buoyed by the way they ended the campaign.

McNamara’s team were only denied a post-season spot right at the death after a run of five straight wins meant their fate was only decided in their final game.

That momentum has been carried into preparations for 2010, leaving McNamara pleased with the confident attitude of his troops.

“We’ve got a very short pre-season in England compared to other countries so we need to make sure we get the most from it,” said the Bulls boss.

“I’m very happy with the players at this time and they’re all positive after the way we finished last season. Preparations are going well.

“We were very disappointed last year but the way we finished is an experience that will help us perform an awful lot better this season.

“We had some success there and hopefully we can build on that and kick on at the start of next year.”