Bradford's Michael Platt told skysports.com that he is excited by the signing of Greg Bird ahead of the new season.
Full-back has fond memories of Ireland's World Cup campaign
Bradford full-back Michael Platt has admitted that the signing of Greg Bird has given him an extra boost ahead of the new Super League season.
The Bulls won the race to sign the talented 24-year-old, who can play at either half-back position or at loose forward, after he was released by the Cronulla Sharks.
Although he will not arrive in time to make his debut in the season-opener against Harlequins on Sunday, Bird's capture is a real coup for the club as they look to make a title run in 2009.
Platt believes the latest acquisition, which follows on from the recruitment of Steve Menzies, Nick Scruton and Quins duo Rikki Sheriffe and Michael Worrincy, gives cause for real optimism at the Grattan Odsal Stadium.
Quality signings
"We've made some quality signings and we've still got Greg Bird to come," the former Castleford Tiger told
skysports.com.
"I can't speak for everyone else, but for me personally, yes (signing Bird has been a boost). You want to see quality players in the team you're playing in and I can't wait for him to come over.
"All the signings have been top quality - Steve Menzies is a legend in the NRL and Greg Bird is a current international, and then you've got Rikki Sheriffe.
"Everyone I've spoken to who has played with him has given him big 'raps'. (Michael) Worrincy has impressed me with what he does in training. I can't wait to see them in action and I really hope it can be our year this year."
The Bulls will be hoping the host of new faces can help them challenge for honours having endured a disappointing campaign last time out.
For Platt the season has soon come around again having had just three weeks off since representing Ireland in the World Cup at the end of 2008.
Memories
Andy Kelly's side produced something of an upset when they won Group C ahead of Samoa and Tonga and the whole experience Down Under is something that will live long in the memory of the 24-year-old.
"It was probably one of the best experiences, I will remember it for the rest of my life," Platt added.
"We managed to win the group, though we probably wanted to go a little further, but it was a brilliant experience. Some people criticised the format but I personally thought it was quite good.
"The groups were even and all the teams could win any game. You didn't have a lower ranked team going up against Australia, which would have led to one-sided scores."
