Prop prospect Steve Crossley wants to put all his training into practice tonight and start nailing down a Bulls first-team place.

The England Academy forward is on the bench as a strong Bradford side head to Dewsbury for their opening friendly of the year.

With front-rowers Sam Burgess, Andy Lynch and Nick Scruton all missing, rookie Crossley is set for a major involvement.

Having signed a full-time contract over the winter and earning a Super League squad number, the powerful 19-year-old knows he has a glorious opportunity to impress coach Steve McNamara.

“There is a big chance there for me to put myself forward,” he said.

“I’m starting on the bench but hope to get a good run-out and make the most of it all.

“It’s my first game playing alongside the likes of Paul Deacon, Jamie Langley and people like that so it’s pretty exciting.

“I’ve played in a couple of friendlies before, including Dewsbury last year, but there’s a lot more first-team players included this time around.

“I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Player of the year Lynch is definitely out of next month’s Super League opener at Harlequins and Crossley admitted: “It’s now up to me to put myself in the frame for a spot.

“I’ve been given the chance to show what I can do with the first team and it’s important I take it.

“I want to give myself a shot of playing that first game by performing up to standard against Dewsbury.”

Crossley is confident of doing that now having been better prepared than ever.

The promising player is currently enjoying the fruits of his first-ever full-time pre-season after being promoted to McNamara’s Super League squad.

“Training’s been great,” he said.

“We’ve all really had a good pre-season. It’s been tough and hard but we’ve focused on getting right for the entire year.

“Everyone’s really bonded together and there’s been some real team building. Now we all want to take it out onto the field.”

Crossley has already learned plenty from one of the sport’s leading figures – Aussie Test star Steve Menzies, who debuts tonight.

“He’s passed on a lot of his knowledge already and the prospect of playing alongside a legend like that is just amazing,” said the former Clayton ARLFC junior.

“We’re all looking forward to see how Steve gets on his first Bulls match. He’s been a real influence.”