Young Bradford Bulls full back prospect Paul Sykes is being tipped for the top by new coach Brian Noble.

Sykes, 19, has had his share of disciplinary problems in recent years but there has never been any doubting his ability and Noble is hopeful that he can make an impact in 2001.

"Paul is an outstanding natural talent and I personally believe he has a big future in the game.

"He is similar to Paul Wellens at St Helens and, while he is a very good player, I think Paul Sykes has even more potential.

"He is very dangerous coming forward, brave in defence and has a great left boot on him.

"What he has lacked in the past is the maturity needed to succeed at the highest level but there have been some encouraging signs on that front.

"He is now keen to move to the Bradford area and the chance is there for him to make a name for himself."

Sykes had a fall-out with former coach Matthew Elliott last season and was restricted to just two senior appearances.

But he showed his potential with a man of the match performance at Hull in May and ran in two impressive tries after coming on as a substitute against Huddersfield at Odsal in June.

Sykes is set to be named in Noble's squad for the new season having been included in the 26-man party which travelled to Florida yesterday for a ten-day training camp.

Noble will make the 2001 squad public at the popular shirt presentation night which has been fixed for Thursday, February 1.