JAKE Webster is ready to lead from the front as he starts the final chapter of his career at the Bulls.

The former New Zealand international will be among the early arrivals as the squad return for pre-season training next week.

Veteran Webster signed a two-year deal after leaving Castleford and coach John Kear knows the centre is buzzing at the prospect of playing a key role in the continued resurgence at Odsal.

Webster will be involved from the first session at Tong on Monday, along with the fellow former Tiger Jy Hitchcox.

And Kear expects the former NRL star to make an immediate impact on the group.

He said: “I know Jake is looking forward to it, as is Jy.

“I think he is excited about being a leader of the group.

“When Jake signed for us, he said it was a big challenge. Bradford Bulls was the team he heard about in his younger days when he was in the NRL in New Zealand.

“Now he knows it’s his chance to play a significant part in revitalising the club and its history.”

Webster is the stand-out capture in the impressive recruitment drive as the Bulls build towards a return to the Championship.

Kear is confident he has the squad to compete at the next level – and insists the 35-year-old still has the hunger to succeed.

He added: “I think Jake has come for positive reasons and I’m delighted that he has.

“I’m sure he will be one of the people that we’ll all be talking about as having a big part to play in our season.

“He’s got so much knowledge and experience to pass on as well.

“If the young players don’t learn from him, they are silly.”