Re-energised recruit Olivier Elima is ready to kick-start his career with the Bulls.

The French captain reported for work on Monday following an off-season switch from Catalans Dragons, immediately hailing his new club as a breath of fresh air.

Despite being a stand-out performer for the Dragons throughout the past three years, Elima’s stint in Perpignan turned sour as Super League fortunes nosedived, culminating in last season’s 14th-place finish.

The chance for a new challenge at Bradford proved too good to refuse and the back-rower looks set to play a key role under Mick Potter in 2011.

Elima said: “I felt like I’d done my time at Catalans and was looking for a new challenge, so what better than to come to a big club like Bradford Bulls and try to start again with a new coach and a new era.

“Good players have come in and there were good players already here. I’m really happy to be here and can’t wait for the season to start.

“I had got into my comfort zone after three years in France. I had some good times there but coming here will probably make me train harder and improve.”

A fluent English speaker, Elima will have little trouble adapting to West Yorkshire life, having started his career with Castleford before spending five years at Wakefield.

Signed by then Catalans coach Potter in 2008, the 27-year-old was proud to represent France’s only Super League club but admits the set-up in the south of France pales in comparison to the one at his new club.

He said: “It’s a new challenge, which is the big thing for me. Three years over there was good and I enjoyed life in France but it wasn’t as professional as what I’m used to, so I’m happy to be here and glad to be at a professional club.

“There’s plenty of staff here and everyone does their job. Sometimes at Perpignan it felt like we were short of staff and people were doubling up with jobs. It doesn’t work like that.

“The last two seasons were pretty difficult. The season before last we finished strongly because we got into the play-offs but if you look at the season itself, it wasn’t that good and we just got into the play-offs on the last day.

“Last year took a lot out of me too. It was pretty hard.”

Aside from any further signings, Elima is the last of the Bulls squad to begin pre-season at the club’s Tong training base.

His arrival was delayed by participation in the recent European Cup competition which saw his France side beaten by Wales in the final, missing out on a spot at next year’s Four Nations in the process.

But Elima arrives at Bradford without any injury concerns, refreshed and ready to go.

He said: “I’ve started training straight away. Monday was my first day and everything was cool. I feel good.

“It’s just the names of the players I’ve got to get to grips with. I got here and a big squad was waiting, so I just have to meet all the players and introduce myself to them.

“There are quite a few names to get used to. I know a few of them but I still have to get used to quite a few. I’m all right with names usually but there’s about 35, so there’s quite a lot to learn.”