Craig Kopczak says the Bulls’ close-season recruitment drive has left him in buoyant mood ahead of Wales’ Four Nations opener against England on Saturday.

The Bradford prop, 24, and new club-mate Elliot Kear, are in line to feature for Iestyn Harris’s men for the clash at Leigh.

Yet events closer to home have also sent positivity and belief coursing through Kopczak’s veins.

Bulls coach Mick Potter has made six close-season signings in Kear, Keith Lulia, Adrian Purtell, Luke Gale, Jarrod Sammut and Manase Manuokafoa.

And Kopczak, Bradford’s player of the year in 2011, declared: “It’s looking very positive with the players that we’ve signed and I’m sure that we’ll be a lot stronger in 2012.

“I actually think Mick will have a few selection headaches, which is always good to see. That’s in all areas; not just in the backs but in the forwards too with Manase coming in.

“Obviously we will work hard over pre-season and look to make a major impro-vement on the last two or three years.”

But first Kopczak will aim to illustrate his class on the international stage as part of Harris’s improving young side, who won the European Cup in 2010 after beating France.

That earned them the right to face England, Australia and New Zealand in the Four Nations.

Kopczak added: “I can’t wait for the England game. People underestimate us and take us lightly but we are hoping to go into the tournament and catch teams cold.

“There are a lot of world-class players involved in the Four Nations and just to be a part of it is brilliant for me.

“Personally I was really happy with my form last season.

“Playing under Mick was great for me and he has helped my game to develop.

“Now, from a Wales perspective, hopefully I can play my part and as a team we can show people what we are capable of.”