RYAN Shaw has revealed how he benefited from specialist coaching sessions with former Great Britain international Graham Steadman and once considered switching codes.

The new Bulls recruit has arrived at Odsal on a one-year deal from Warrington after spending the majority of last season on loan at his hometown club Barrow.

Around eighteen months ago, Shaw met with legendary former England rugby union captain Dean Richards about the prospect of joining Newcastle Falcons.

A move did not materialise but the versatile Shaw, who can play across the backline, went on to work with Steadman, a coaching consultant at Newcastle.

Shaw said: “It was about a year and a half ago when I met up with Dean Richards at Newcastle.

“It was something to consider and touch and go whether or not I was going to sign for them but my heart has always been in rugby league.

“I’m enjoying myself at Bradford and have settled in really well - all the lads have been very welcoming.

“The training has been very tough and we’ve been getting flogged every day but I’m pretty fit anyway so it's fine.

“The lads have spoken about our aim to come straight back up next season and I think we probably will.”

On his coaching sessions with Steadman, Shaw added: “My agent arranged for me to meet Graham in Leeds and the sessions were really good.

“He helped me to develop my kicking technique and gave me some tips which were very useful.”

Meanwhile, Robbie Hunter-Paul has been named as honorary president of Mirfield Stags.