Brett Kearney says the improved climate has given the Bulls’ pre-season preparations a welcome shot in the arm as they gear up for the new campaign.

Much of the country lay under a blanket of snow last winter but this year has been considerably milder, allowing Mick Potter’s squad to train outdoors without disruption.

Aussie full back Kearney, 28, believes Potter’s men will reap the benefits of the warmer temperatures.

He said: “Thankfully this year we’ve had more time on the field due to the weather not being half as bad as last year.

“It makes a lot of difference and the skills that the boys are showing are really good.

“This time last year we were knee-deep in snow and we were trying to get sessions in wherever we could.

“If you can get out on the field it makes the world of difference. If you’re out there and it’s minus five and all you can think about is getting back in, it’s rough.

“But the conditions, as good as they are, have helped us a lot during the last few weeks.”

Kearney – handed the No 1 full back jersey by Potter for the 2012 campaign – returned home to Australia during the off-season.

Now he is raring to go as the club bid to put last season’s miserable campaign behind them.

The former South Sydney and Cronulla Sharks man is working his way towards full fitness following his month-long holiday.

“I had a great break during the off-season,” explained Kearney.

“Unfortunately it was so busy we just didn’t have chance to sit down with family as much as we’d have liked.

“It’s always good to get home and catch up with everyone, although by the time we got back here it was nice to sit down and not be running around.

“It was good to start training again and I’ll be fit for the start of the season.

“I’ve got a few little niggles but I’ve got a month to get myself fully fit for the first game.”