Bradford Bulls players will be granted a little extra Christmas cheer.

Fitness conditioner Carl Jennings has given them a three-day break from their strict diets and fitness plans over the festive period.

Jennings broke the news as the club's England players Paul Anderson, Stuart Fielden, Jamie Peacock, Paul Deacon, Leon Pryce, Mike Forshaw and Nathan McAvoy reported back to Odsal today for the first time since the World Cup.

He said: "I don't believe it is going to hurt the players to have a little Christmas food and drink for those three days.

"They work their bodies hard and should have no difficulty working off their Christmas treats. We will do the same for New Year's Eve.

"We are fortunate to have a very professional squad who are extremely disciplined in diet and fitness. I am sure there will be no problems."

Coach Brian Noble, who has had only a handful of senior players in training for the first month of pre-season preparation, is delighted to have more of his top players back at Odsal.

"I am looking forward to working with a bigger group. It means we can move our preparations on. The World Cup came at the end of a punishing season and we have had to make sure the players involved have rested properly before returning."

Two players coming back slightly ahead of schedule are Robbie and Henry Paul. They will be at Odsal on Wednesday.