All the big names in rugby league were wheeled out for this week's launch of Super League VIII.

The stars were all there at the Thorp Park Hotel and Spa in Leeds. Andy Farrell, Paul Sculthorpe, Chris Joynt, Adrian Vowles, Kevin Sinfield amd Steve McNamara.

But there was one man up on stage being presented to the crowd who feels it will be a couple of years before he deserves to be among the sport's elite.

And that is Jamie Langley, the Bulls' sole player represented at the event.

For Langley, captain of the international academy side who so historically beat the Australian Schoolboys, it was a great honour.

"It was really good to be involved in something like that," said Langley, who was invited along as part of the ermerging British talent section of the launch.

"I would never have thought things would have worked out the way they have. It is nice to do these things, it gets your name in the paper, it makes people recognise you and can only help you get on in the sport.

"I'm glad I went and is an honour to share the stage with such great players."

It was said to the youngster on stage by Sky presenter Eddie Hemmings that he would be making a lot of Super League appearances this year; something Langley is very realistic about.

"I appreciate that there is a long way to go," said Langley.

"I know that there are some quality players ahead of me and a lot of whether or not I get a chance or not his year comes down to injuries. But the important thing to do is seize the opportunity if it is presented to you."

Langley's appearances will indeed be largely governed by the injuries throughout the squad but in the futire he may well be guaranteed a place.

Langley was captain of the Academy side that turned over the Aussie youth at the end of last year and he believes a number of that team will be the mainstay of Super League in seasons to come.

"There is no doubt that a lot of us will go on to make a lot or apperances in this competition," he added.

"For some it may happen for this year, others further in the future. But we proved that the sport is going strong with our victories and that we can compete at the highest level.

"There are some fantastic homegrown players coming through and that can only be good for the game."

Robbie Paul, the Bradford captain and now an old-timer in the Odsal set-up, missed the launch with a trapped nerve in his neck. The problem - something he has been suffering since 1996 - is caused by his poor sleeping posture and can be simply cured with a session of acupuncture.

He trained fully yesterday and claims to be 100 per cent fit for the visit to Knowsley Road in two days time.