Despite swapping perennial contenders for serious underachievers, Bryn Hargreaves has no regrets.

A month after appearing in last year’s Grand Final with St Helens, the workhorse prop upped sticks to join a Bulls side still reeling from their worst-ever Super League season.

On the surface, it seemed a strange decision. But when Saints dragged their feet in offering Hargreaves a new contract, he had no hesitation in jumping to the opposite side of the Pennines.

The chance to join coach Mick Potter in switching St Helens for Bradford was a major factor – but so too was the potential and ambition of his new employers.

Hargreaves sees no reason why the Bulls can’t compete with his former club.

He said: “It was a surprise to leave Saints. To be honest, it all happened so fast and there wasn’t much forethought. It wasn’t something that built up over time.

“I’ve got some good friends there, so I was sad to leave them in some respects, but it’s a new challenge at Bradford and I’m enjoying it. Hopefully I can bring some positive things to the table here.

“I’m happy with my decision and hopefully I can go back to St Helens this week and get the victory with my new team.”

Hargreaves’ understated, hardworking nature has made him one of Super League’s best kept secrets, although his abilities are well known to Saints supporters.

The 25-year-old Wiganer became something of a cult hero during his four years at the club – to the extent he was thrown a farewell party by fans – and was quick to dismiss suggestions of a possible point to prove on his return.

He said: “I don’t feel I have a point to prove. I think I proved my point while I was there.

“I think I played really well and the fans were good to me and got behind me. Also, the players know what I can do.

“I don’t have anything to prove but I want to play well. I want to play well every week.

“There’s that tiny added incentive but I can’t let my emotions rule me because you have to be professional and play your own game.”

It has not taken long for Hargreaves to win over team-mates and fans at his new club either.

But, wary he has played just six games in Bradford colours, the former Wales international insists there is still a lot more to come.

Although Hargreaves has been a defensive stand-out, making 155 tackles while missing just three, a greater understanding of his Bulls team-mates will bring improvements with ball in hand.

“I’m still getting used to the way people run lines and running my lines off people; the way they like to be supported,” he said.

“Those things take time and you can only do so much in a training set-up. It’s only when you see what players are like in a game situation you can fully appreciate what they’re about.

“I’d like to think I’m getting more of a relationship with the players on the field, getting better every week.”