SAM Hallas insists he was never worried about the Bulls building a solid side again as they prepare to go back into Championship battle.

John Kear’s men put an eventful off-season behind them with Sunday’s curtain-raiser against London Broncos at the Tetley’s Stadium.

The visit from a team fresh out of Super League is the toughest possible start for the Bulls.

But new vice-captain Hallas is confident they are ready to face the challenge full on after banishing the off-field problems.

Through all the changes and financial uncertainty, the 23-year-old had faith in Kear delivering another competitive squad.

Hallas said: “It was probably the most stressful time for John. If he had hair, he’d be pulling it out!

“But he’s done really well. He’s recruited good fellas to have around training as well as good players.

“With John’s track record at Bradford, Hull, Batley and wherever he’s been, he’s always recruited really well. We were never really worried.

“Obviously we were concerned about the situation with the finances but once that got sorted, we never had any doubts.

“We knew we’d have a competitive team and a good squad and it looks like that’s what we are going to get.

“We’ve got a lot of young lads which is credit to Leigh Beattie and Mark Dunning bringing them through the system.

“They’ve fitted in well and we’re a really tight group again this year. Hopefully we can give a really good account of ourselves.”

The Bulls must hit the ground running against Danny Ward’s Broncos, who nearly defied the Super League odds last season before being relegated on the final day.

Hallas added: “They’ve come straight back down from Super League so they’ll want to get back up.

“It will be a good test for us to see where we are at. They’ve recruited really well and will be a force to be reckoned with.

“But there are some good teams in this Championship. It will be a hell of a division.”

It is a testing first month for the Bulls with a visit to York to follow and then a home clash with last year’s play-off finalists Featherstone.

“We can only take it one week at a time,” said Hallas. “As long as we focus on ourselves, I’m sure we’ll go all right.

“There are a few teams that can win it. Last year you looked at Toronto and it was more of a fight for second place.

“This year is a real battle to see who will go up. A lot of teams have recruited well and a couple might surprise people.

“It’s going to be an interesting season and definitely one to watch.”