New Bulls coach Francis Cummins has warned his players to stay in shape during their off-season break.

Cummins delivered a speech to his squad earlier this week and spoke of the importance of being ready for the rigours of next season.

He talked of making further sacrifices after a tumultuous 2012 campaign which saw the Bulls miss out on the play-offs for the fourth year running after being docked six points for entering administration.

Cummins, who is looking to bolster his squad further after Chev Walker signed a new one-year deal, said: “I think this year has put everything in perspective.

“We don’t know how long we’ll be playing this game and I say that because I was a player not so long ago.

“Maybe sometimes you take it for granted but how much better can we be and how much more are we willing to sacrifice?

“I’ve had a couple of bits of feedback after speaking to the players, which is great. But the response I’m really looking for is when they have to come back in for testing on October 24.

“If they’re not in the shape I want them to be off their own backs then there are some penalties to be had.

“I’m not willing to arrive back at pre-season training and have them get in shape halfway through it.

“The players need to be ready and they need to take the next step forward.

“They took a big step last year. Now they need to do it all again.”