La Santa has provided an ideal post-Christmas present for Bulls boss Mick Potter.

Already pleased with pre-season progress, Potter’s disposition has become even sunnier following five days of warm-weather training at the Lanzarote resort.

The Bulls jet back into England on Thursday at the end of a week-long boot camp and signs are good ahead of the new season.

“I can’t be too much happier with the way things are going,” said Potter. “There are some good signs.

“Whether or not that transfers to the game remains to be seen but we’re doing everything we can at the moment.

“We’re going well. There’s plenty of training getting done and we’re doing a couple of field sessions a day plus weights and some full-contact stuff.

“It’s certainly been an endurance test for the players. They are all pretty tired at the end of every day.”

Although temperatures have begun to rise in Bradford, Potter has been grateful to escape the West Yorkshire winter.

Temperatures approaching the mid-twenties have made skills and field work easier, while the players have also enjoyed a spot of swimming – and even beach tackle sessions.

Potter said: “It’s easier to conduct sessions here. Your lips can actually keep working when you’re giving instructions, so there’s no danger of them freezing shut here.

“We’ve even gone down to the beach to do some tackling. There’s some give in the ground so you’re guaranteed a soft landing but it’s hard work because it’s more difficult to run.

“We are working on combinations. Your skill level goes through the roof when you’re working in warmer conditions.

“When your hands are cold or you’re using a slippery ball, it obviously affects things like your catch and pass. Your footing is more assured too, so you’re spot on with your footwork as well.”

Work on developing cohesion and combinations has been crucial for a squad that has seen 11 players arrive and 11 depart during a busy off-season.

Kyle Briggs became the latest new face when he signed from Featherstone last week and has quickly slotted into the set-up.

Potter added: “It was fortuitous that Kyle came in good time to be involved in this camp.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to show what he’s got at a different level and we’re grateful to Featherstone that they agreed to release him.

“They are actually enjoying each other’s company and we’ve had a couple of social sessions when they’re doing small group activities, which have worked out well.

“There are some real characters in the camp and some blokes with a good sense of humour.”