Departing star Wayne Godwin has tipped the Bulls to challenge for honours in 2011.

The livewire hooker this week brought an end to three years at Odsal after sealing a switch to Super League rivals Salford.

A hugely popular figure at the club, Godwin was an ever-present for the Bulls last season but the recent arrival of Leeds rake Matt Diskin put his place in serious jeopardy.

Although the 28-year-old had steeled himself for a selection tussle, a surprise three-year offer from the City Reds proved too tempting and Bradford agreed not to stand in his way.

But, having experienced ten weeks of pre-season training under new coach Mick Potter, Godwin predicts exciting times ahead for his former club.

He said: “Mick Potter has built a great squad and I obviously know a lot about how pre-season is going after being there for the last ten weeks.

“I know how much competitiveness there is in the squad. I was willing to fight for my spot and I kept my head down and trained well until the opportunity came up. I’m grateful to Bradford for letting me take it.

“They’ve got a quality squad and I think they’ll do well this year.”

Leaving Bradford was clearly a wrench for Godwin.

Signed from Hull FC in 2007, his tenacity on the pitch and larger-than-life personality off it earned him the respect of team-mates and fans alike.

But a refreshing humility meant that only became clear when Godwin found himself inundated with messages from well-wishers after his departure became public knowledge.

He said: “You don’t realise how much you’re liked until you leave. I’m gutted to be leaving the Bradford boys because I’ve had three years at the club and I’ve made some friends for life.

“I’m a people person anyway but you spend every day with the boys so there’s a really close bond.

“I’ve loved my time there and have enjoyed working with everyone, not just the players but the staff and the people in the office as well.

“All the boys were shocked when I told them I was leaving. I’ll miss them and I wish them all the best for the future.

“But I’m also looking forward to a new season, a new challenge and the chance for more game-time.”

Following the retirement of Malcolm Alker and the collapse of Tevita Leo-Latu’s move from Wakefield, Godwin is seen as a natural successor for the Salford No 9 shirt.

Having spent last season behind player of the year Heath L’Estrange in the Bulls pecking order, the former Cas and Wigan man is confident he will grow into a more prominent role.

“At the moment I’m looking to hopefully start,” said Godwin. “First I need to get to know all the Salford systems and that will take time.

“I was sad to leave Bradford but when this opportunity came up to get these few years under my belt and start more games I decided to go for it.

“I believe I play better rugby when I get more game-time. I’ve turned into a bit of an impact player in the last few years but when I had a bigger role at Cas and when Tez (Terry Newton) was injured a couple of years back, I showed I had the ability in me. I want to get into that mould again. I’ve got the same buzz I’ve always had throughout my career and I’m hungry to do well at Salford.”

The transition to a starting spot will be helped by Alker’s continued presence at The Willows.

After playing more than 300 games for the club, the former skipper was convinced to take a role on the coaching staff by Salford boss Shaun McRae.

Godwin said: “It’s going to be tough to follow in Mal’s footsteps because he’s a Salford legend but I’m looking forward to working with him and I think I can learn a lot from him.

“I’ve worked with (assistant coach) Phil Veivers before at Wigan and I rate him. I’ve also heard good things about Shaun McRae, so it is set up well.

“It’s exciting times at Salford at the moment. They’ve signed really well and there’s a buzz around the place, just like there is at Bradford.”