If any of the Bulls' prop
forward contingent feel they can afford to have the odd off day this season they are sadly mistaken.
With teenager Matt James champing at the bit to break into the senior side, Stuart Fielden, Joe Vagana and Andy Lynch know a young gun is waiting to fire.
The 18-year-old Eastmoor product has been a stand-out performer in the under-21 academy side, backing up an impressive hit-out against Keighley with an opening win at home-town club Wakefield.
The athletic forward got on the scoresheet at Belle Vue and has been leading a
relatively inexperienced team by example.
"We've got a pretty young side in the 21s this year but we got off to a good start on Sunday and it was a solid
performance," said James, who is buzzing after winning a place in the Bulls' first-team squad for 2006.
"That's a good challenge and it's great working with all the international players. It can only help develop and improve you.
"I'm just going to keep trying my hardest and hopefully get a Super League shot towards the end of the season.
"There's quite a big difference in the speed of the game and athleticism of first-team players but that's the step up you have to make.
"I'm working on improving my game each week and
hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt."
James, recommended to the club by former Bulls prop Brian McDermott, could be likened to Fielden in stature.
Tall, lean and powerful with an excellent work-rate, he is tipped by many to be the next star emerging from the academy conveyor belt.
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