Steve McNamara is delighted to have the bulk of his squad around for the first week of pre-season training.

In previous years, the Bulls have seen many players report for duty at different times but as McNamara prepares for his first full campaign as head coach he is determined to ensure there are no slackers in the camp.

"It's good to have them all back in," he said.

"We're all sick of putting up fences, painting walls and DIY stuff!

"The lads have come back in reasonable condition. We've made a pretty good start to things this week, done all the testing to see what shape they are in and all the new players have settled fine.

"The majority of the squad have been in this week, with a few exceptions."

McNamara explained: "Ian Henderson played for Scotland so he has an extra couple of weeks off, as has Matt Cook after his England duty.

"Obviously Shontayne Hape is still with New Zealand in the Tri-Nations and Terry Newton has just finished over there so they won't be around for a while.

"Marcus Bai's wife has just had a baby over in Australia and they can't fly back yet while Les (Vainikolo) is in New Zealand.

"We asked him to stay here at the end of the season and he carried on training when he had his knee operation.

"That was more important for his fitness so he put his holiday off for a while."

Meanwhile, centre Hape has been named in the New Zealand side for the Tri-Nations final against Australia on Saturday.

He starts on the wing again as the holders look to retain their title in the Sydney showdown.