Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble has been thrilled with the response of his players to the rigorous Florida training programme.

His 26-man squad have swapped the biting Odsal frosts for the 70 degree Florida heat but Noble insists it's been no holiday.

"The conditions are superb and means we have been able to do some top quality work. But all that can mean nothing if the players don't respond in the right way and I just cannot fault them.

"We have a lot of new lads and they have really blended well. That aspect is so important and the way they have got on as a group has surpassed my expectations.

"We have kept them busy from 8.30am to 10pm with lectures, ball skills and conditioning work and they have really been positive in everything they have done.

"The training pitch is completely surrounded by swampland so the chance of escapes is very slim and it has restricted the goalkickers a little because there is no way I want them asking the alligators for their ball back!"

One man benefiting greatly from the facilities is injured three-quarter Nathan McAvoy, who had a knee reconstruction in October.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds over here and it's been very rewarding to see the rate at which he is progressing."

McAvoy is expected to miss the side's Challenge Cup campaign but Noble believes he could be back in action in May.

Meanwhile, Noble has revealed that latest recruit Graham Mackay will join up with the squad on Tuesday, May 1.

Mackay is currently under contract to Leeds Tykes Rugby Union club and their season will end at Henley on Saturday, April 28 - the same day the Bulls hope to be in Challenge Cup final action at Twickenham.