England Academy star Jason Crookes has signed a new three-year deal at Odsal.

The young centre, who flies out to Australia with the international squad on Wednesday, is now contracted with the Bulls until 2011.

Crookes, 18, still awaits his Super League debut and has spent much of the season on loan at Widnes Vikings.

But he has impressed with the National League One outfit and is seen as part of Steve McNamara’s long-term plans at Grattan Stadium.

“We brought Jason into the full-time squad a couple of years ago and physically he developed really well,” said the Bulls coach.

“This season he has gone out on loan to play against some men and done tremendously. By the time he comes back from Australia he’ll have really developed to the stage we want him.

“He’ll finish the season with Widnes but we’re delighted he’s agreed this new deal with us.”

McNamara hopes to eventually incorporate more teenage talent in his Super League squad with the work already underway.

Foundation players James Donald-son and Andrew Tate – both 16 – started full-time training yesterday with a view to fast-tracking their first-team potential.

“We’re trying to get more youth into that environment so they can then come through and be ready to play their part,” McNamara said.

“Hopefully more will join Jason and these two in the future.”