The Bulls’ biggest troublemakers are ready to get serious in the battle for the starting hooker’s spot.

New signing Heath L’Estrange has quickly hit it off with Wayne Godwin since arriving at Odsal last month but the pair are well aware they must become rivals.

Yesterday’s announcement of squad numbers seemed to give L’Estrange the early edge – the Aussie handed the No 9 shirt while Godwin kept No 14.

But Bulls chief Steve McNamara insists the race is still wide open and L’Estrange knows the pressure is on to perform in pre-season.

“It’s an opportunity for me to be a No 9,” said the off-season signing from Manly.

“I’ve been stuck behind a few boys my whole career, good players like Craig Wing at Roosters and Matty Ballin at Manly.

“I just want the opportunity, that’s what I’ll work for. Hopefully I’ll get it and if I do, I’ll take it with both hands and run with it.”

Competition will not affect the rapport between the two typically mischievous dummy halves. L’Estrange added: “Wagga’s a champion. He’s a very colourful character and I think we’re the humorous two in the camp.

“We’re a bit loud and have a bit of a muck around so we have to be put in line now and again, getting told to shut up. He’s a champion and I can’t wait to work with him.”

Another new signing, Stuart Reardon, is confident he can stake a strong claim for one of the two wing places.

The former Great Britain star was seen almost exclusively as a full back by his last club Warrington but has been handed the No 5 shirt vacated by Semi Tadulala, who has defected to rugby union.

Reardon said: “Tadulala left so there’s a spot on the wing and I’m happy to play there if possible. But obviously, it’s a competitive team so whoever trains well and plays well in the pre-season friendlies will get their chance.

“I just want to get back fully fit and those things will take care of themselves. I don’t pick the team but as long as I can get myself in a good position, training well, hopefully I’ll get a spot.”

A particularly striking feature in McNamara’s squad numbers was the presence of 16 home-grown players, including a host of recent academy graduates.

Beyond the first 18 players, the group contains limited first-team experience and although McNamara is confident in the ability of his young stars to continue rising, he has still not ruled out further recruitment should the need arise.

“Without a doubt, there’s some players there who will deserve to be in the first team by the end of the year,” said the Bulls chief.

“They’re all progressing rapidly - physically, technically and tactically - and it’s good to see. It’s important we keep everyone fit and available and keep progressing those young players.

“If we get the opportunity to add to the squad at any stage and if we feel we need to, we will do that. But I’m pleased with what we have going into the new season.”