ETHAN Ryan has called on the Bulls to follow the lead of Super League clubs and consider reinstating a reserves side at Odsal.

The now six-team competition, which features Halifax and Keighley Cougars from outside the top division, has been hit once more by the recent withdrawal of defending champions Dewsbury Rams.

Ryan, who has previous experience in the competition through his brief spell with the Cougars in 2014, believes Bradford should consider the option for not just himself, but his team-mates who are struggling for game-time and returning from injury.

The utility back has made two first-team appearances this season but, with competition for places tough at Odsal, he accepts he needs to be playing more regularly to progress his career.

Ryan said: "I think that all clubs should have a reserves team because it can only help the likes of myself who don't have the opportunity to play week in, week out, especially with the competition for places we have at a club like Bradford.

"I've played twice this season and have been in and around the first-team squad as 18th man on a few occasions.

"But I feel it's something we can fall back on, knowing that if we're not playing first team then we've got a reserves team we can play in instead of just sitting on the sidelines or in the stands.

"It means instead of just waiting on the opportunity like I've had to do this year, we can be out on the field getting game-time and earning those first-team opportunities instead. It would be a good way to just keep the lads playing.

"It also means that when you are ready to take that step up into the first team then you're not exactly going in rusty. You're match fit because you will have been playing regularly instead, so I fully believe it is important to have a reserves side."