A big kick up the backside has got the Bulls ready to run with the best, according to Jason Crookes.

Impressed with the impact made by new boss Mick Potter, the 20-year-old academy graduate feels in better shape than ever.

An early start has been key to getting the Bulls fighting fit, with Crookes among a 15-strong group of players who started pre-season on October 4, and the new season can't come soon enough.

“I can’t wait to get back out,” said Crookes. “It’s been a long pre-season and it seems like we’ve been here ages. We’re all looking forward to getting back out there again.

“Coming back early has really helped us. It’s shown in the fitness testing we’ve been doing that everyone is well ahead of where they were last year and we’re a lot stronger in the gym as well.

“It’s been good for everyone. Mick’s given us all a kick up the backside and that’s exactly what we needed.

“He’s really firm and he won’t take any nonsense off anyone. He knows what he wants and that’s what he’ll get out of us.”

After struggling against injuries in each of the past three seasons, Crookes is merely happy to be nearing peak condition once more.

Floored by a knee ligament injury early last season, he was limited to just five appearances in what was his fourth campaign as a full-time professional.

He said: “I don’t think I’ve had a full season yet without an injury so I’m hoping I can get a good roll on and get some games under my belt.

“I just want to play more games than I played last year, stay injury-free and fit and keep training my hardest.

“Every training session’s like a competition, so it’s good for everyone. In every position there are four or five players competing, so that has been a boost for us.”

Deployed at both wing and centre last season, Crookes hopes that versatility will aid his first-team chances.

“I can play both wing and centre, so that has to be a good thing,” he said.

“I’ve been working on my game during pre-season and positioning on the wing was a big area for improvement. I’ve not played that much on the wing and Mick’s helped me with that a lot.”