Iesyn Harris will not face a backlash from Bulls fans over his former ties to the Leeds Rhinos, says Bradford Independent Supporters Association chairman Sam Grundy.

And Harris should have no problem joining the ranks of players who have successfully made the short trip across West Yorkshire in the past, said Grundy.

"We've had a lot of good Leeds players come to Bradford, James Lowes being the best example. There's Karl Pratt as well and Paul Anderson and Mike Forshaw. We've a good history of getting ex-Leeds players who don't show their best stuff for Leeds but then come to us and are great.

"I hope Iestyn follows in that tradition. The stuff coming out of Leeds about how they are not happy about him going might help endear him to Bradford fans.

"We're definitely pleased to have a good player on board but a lot depends on how he plays. We need to be patient with him because it is going to take him time to gel with the team and get fully fit. Hopefully, if he doesn't set the world on fire immediately, we will be patient and not get on his back. I'm sure he'll come good for us."

And Grundy is convinced the rest of the squad will react positively to Harris's signing.

"It should hot-up competition for places, and he certainly offers a lot of skill in the middle of the field that we could do with. At times we have looked a bit predictable this year, so hopefully he'll add something there.

"It's up to the players to rise above any personal disappointment. They are professionals and if they are good enough they'll get in the team. If players are doing well in training and their attitudes are right then they stand just as good a chance of getting picked as Harris."

"When we signed Shaun Edwards in 1998 there was a bit of a kerfuffle behind the scenes but I'm hopeful that won't happen this time.

"It's up to the players to pull their fingers out and prove that they are just as worthy of a place as Iestyn."

The mounting injury toll at the club meant the signing couldn't have come at a better time, said Grundy.

"With the injury situation, with Michael Withers being out and now Paul Johnson looking like he has a broken arm, it's good to have a new player coming in.

"Harris is a good kicker as well and when Paul Deacon hasn't been on the field we've struggled a bit, especially at goal."