STEVE Crossley can't wait to run out at Odsal again as the Bulls begin pre-season.

The squad were back at Tong yesterday for the start of their fitness and conditioning programme.

It also marked their first day as a "hybrid" set-up with both full- and part-time players for 2018.

Prop Crossley is kicking off his third spell at the club after returning to Bradford following a year with Toronto Wolfpack.

He is delighted to be back in familiar surroundings as the senior head in a pack that includes Ross Peltier, Liam Kirk, James Davies and on-loan Huddersfield Giants prospect Mikey Wood.

Crossley said: "It was getting a bit too much for me being so far from home and then when the chance to come back to Bradford arose, I jumped at it straight away.

"I love playing up here. It is the best ground to play your rugby on. I can't wait to get back in training."

The players reassembled under the watchful eye of new physios Aaron Scholes and Matt Dukes – but they are still waiting to find out who will be coaching them for the League One campaign.

Geoff Toovey's current contract is understood to run out later this week and there have been discussions with joint-owner Andrew Chalmers in Australia trying to persuade him to stay on.

General manager Stuart Duffy has also been over there for the World Cup as the club scout potential overseas targets. Chalmers is due to fly back to England over the weekend.