BRANDON Pickersgill says large turnouts from opposition fans are providing an extra spur in the Bulls’ promotion push.

Newcastle Thunder enjoyed their highest ever crowd when 4,137 turned up at Kingston Park to see Bradford edge to a narrow 26-16 victory.

That was more than 1,000 bigger than their previous best attendance and was the second time this season that a club have achieved their biggest gate when hosting Bulls.

York City Knights welcomed a landmark 4,281 spectators for the opening-day clash with Bradford, while Hemel Stags are set to smash their previous record crowd when John Kear’s side travel south on Sunday.

Pickersgill said: “Most times when we come away the home crowds are quite big and they really give us some stick. It’s good as it gives us another gear and gives us extra motivation.”

The large travelling army of Bulls fans have played an important role in helping clubs achieve their bumper gates and were once again out in force at Newcastle with close to a four-figure following.

Pickersgill believes their backing helped get the players out of hole after they fell behind to two early tries.

He said: “The crowd were outstanding. We knew they would be there in their numbers and they were loud and proud.

“It really helps us when it is getting tough and we can hear them. It really lifts us and they spurred us on to get the win.”

Pickersgill produced another eye-catching display in the North-East at full back in a season where his versatility has proved a valuable asset.

He has also impressed at half-back and the youngster admits he is happy being flexible regarding what position he plays.

He said: "I don’t mind playing anywhere as long as I’m playing. In terms of my development if I can be a more all-rounded player and not just a full back or a half-back I probably wouldn’t have played as much this year, so I want as many strings to my bow as I can.

"I think John (Kear) realises that and he wants to play me about a bit so I can have experience in different positions on the pitch."

Despite Newcastle’s midtable position, Thunder looked a real threat and had Bradford on the ropes at the beginning and end of the match.

Coach Jason Payne rated the display as their best of the season. Had Bulls Academy product Adam Brook not struck the post with his conversion attempt when the score was 24-16, the visitors might not have been celebrating victory.

Pickersgill admitted: “Newcastle are very good on their day. They throw the ball about a bit and like to offload a bit.

“Brooky went well and the stand-off (Lewis Young) and full back (Theerapol Ritson) are really quick. “We’d done a lot of video on them and they caused us some problems. They are a good team and I’m sure they’ll beat a lot of teams this year."

The second half was marred by a brawl after words had been exchanged which saw Bulls’ Dalton Grant and Thunder’s Jack Aldous red-carded.

Pickersgill said: “I was setting a play up and before I knew it punches were getting thrown. They were a lot bigger than me so I tried not to get in the middle of that! I was just trying to split it up.”