ETHAN Ryan insists he can get even better when the Bulls return to the Championship.

The unveiling of the fixtures for the new season – which starts with a home tussle against Featherstone – has heightened interest.

Winger Ryan was crowned League One’s player of the year as the Bulls won instant promotion back to the second tier after racking up 36 tries.

He capped off a memorable season by making his international debut for Ireland, playing in the European Championship games against Scotland and Wales and scoring.

After an extended campaign, Ryan will come back to Tong for pre-season a few weeks later than the bulk of the squad. But he is already aiming high.

Ryan said: “We achieved that promotion we worked so hard for and it is definitely exciting times for the club and it is a really great place to be at the minute.

“There will be a tough pre-season for us, I have no doubt about that. But I am looking forward to seeing what next year brings – I am ready to kick on further.”

Ireland missed out on qualification for the 2021 World Cup after being pipped by John Kear’s Wales and European champions France. But Ryan relished the international experience.

He added: “To be recognised for all the hard work I have put in this year is great and it was refreshing for me to experience a new environment and it is something I will never forget.

“Going over for a try on debut in front of all my family was a very proud moment and caps a really good year for me.

“Unfortunately we did not qualify this time around but we have another shot next year. But now I have a couple of weeks off before I start back training with the lads.”