JIMMY Lowes believes the Bulls' homegrown talent can provide the basis for a bright future after a quartet of teenagers signed new deals.

Academy graduates Alex Mellor, Nathan Conroy, Sam Bates and Adam Brook have all agreed to stay at Odsal, further bolstering Lowes' squad ahead of next year's promotion assault.

Mellor, 19, made his first-team debut last season and has appeared seven times in Super League this year, impressing off the bench in recent wins over Wigan and Leeds.

The imposing second-rower went full-time a year ago along with hooker Conroy, also 19, who has made three first-team appearances this year after making his debut on the final day of last season against Huddersfield.

The pair have signed new one-year deals while scrum half Brook, 19, and front-rower Bates, 18, have penned two-year contracts.

Head coach Lowes said: "We're working hard to try and promote our youth and get the Academy back to where it was a few years ago.

"I'm delighted these four young lads have jumped back on board.

"Alex Mellor has had a couple of hit-outs with the first team and I've been impressed with what he's done.

"I've certainly been impressed with Nathan Conroy too in the under-19s. He will provide real competition for Adam O'Brien next year."

Mellor added: "There were a couple of rumours flying about interest from other clubs but it was always going to be a no-brainer to stay at Bradford. I've been here since I was 14 and I love the place."

Conroy, a boyhood Bulls fan from Bradford, said: "I only ever wanted to be at Bradford and now I've signed up, hopefully I can stay for more years to come.

"Having Jimmy as my coach is going to be a great benefit because he will be able to give me a lot of tips about doing things right and that's going to make me want to perform better."

Bates made his debut against Wigan on Easter Monday and also played in the home win over Warrington a fortnight later.

"I've had a few injuries, so first-team isn't really an option for me at the moment," he said.

"I need to get more regular game-time for the under-19s, have a big pre-season and then see where I am next year."

Brook is regarded highly at Odsal but Lowes confirmed that he is seeking to sign a more senior scrum half to replace Luke Gale, whose two-year switch to Castleford was finally announced yesterday.

"I've got a list and we're working hard on that list with regards to bringing in another scrum half," said Lowes.

"I wouldn't say we're close but we're not far off and whoever we bring in will be more experienced than young Adam.

"Brooky's a player with bags of potential but has a long way to go yet before he gets anywhere close to first-team rugby."

On Gale's departure, Lowes added: "He's a very good player and has been a good servant both here at Bradford and London before that.

"He's a quality player and he wants to stay in Super League. He will be a great asset to Castleford."