Bradford Bulls' new strength conditioner Martin Clawson isn't worried he's succeeding Carl Jennings - widely regarded as the best in the business.

"I am just chuffed to get the job," said Featherstone-based Clawson, whose dad Terry had two spells with Bradford Northern and represented Great Britain.

"The club had at least 15 applicants for the job, some from as far afield as America and Australia.

"I just look at it this way - there are only 12 of us doing jobs like this in the Super League, and I have got the best one."

Clawson's own playing career was ended by a triple knee operation when he was 18.

Having played at Alliance level before his injury, Clawson, now 37, spent ten years down Kellingley Colliery, but, having enjoyed the 'crack' of being around rugby players, he always hankered after a return to league in a fitness capacity.

He said: "I did courses in boxing and many other things, and first of all I worked part-time at Odsal with the physiotherapist Gary Slade, who was based in Wakefield.

"I was also part-time in my second season, but I have worked full-time since last November

"My dad pushed me towards Bradford before I started work part-time as a masseur there three years ago."

Carl Jennings leaves for Australia tomorrow to rejoin former Bulls coach Matthew Elliott at Canberra Raiders.

Clawson said: "You just learn so much from someone like Carl. He had a presence when he walked into a room and could command his audience.

"I just think the Bulls would have been foolish to bring someone fresh in who changed things - it's a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it."

But that isn't to say that Clawson doesn't have ideas of his own.

He said: "The coaching staff have been looking at developing strength machines specifically tailored to rugby league players.

"We have been talking to Nytram Sports Equipment at Dodworth, near Barnsley, and demonstration machines will be in place before the players return for pre-season training next month.

"Although many of the Bulls players are away with Great Britain in La Manga preparing for the first Test against Australia, our players are still high after the Grand Final.

"As far as the new season is concerned, we want to keep up the momentum and not only become world champions, but dominate the sport for years to come."

Added Clawson: "If we were to win the title again next season, it would still be regarded as Carl's team, but one area where I can improve things is in junior development.

"There are some really good kids coming through who will be making their way into the first-team squad in the future - Academy players such as Aaron Smith, Vinnie Myler and Jamie Langley. The first team are the finished article physically thanks to Carl, but there is plenty of scope for improvement among the youngsters."