Whitehead: The best moment of my life (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Whitehead: The best moment of my life

7:30am Tuesday 9th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(12)

Academy product Elliott Whitehead is looking to get more of a chance to shine when the Bulls head to Warrington Wolves next weekend.

The strong-running second-rower debuted in Sunday’s 36-22 victory over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Making his bow at Odsal was a real dream for the lifelong Bulls fan, who played his junior rugby just around the corner at West Bowling.

Whitehead, 19, said: “It was the best time of my life playing for the first team like that.

“It was obviously a real big occasion and I was nervous beforehand but it ended up being fine.

“I’d have liked some more time out there but that’s how it goes and hopefully there will be plenty more chances.”

The England Academy international was held back until late on and played only the last four minutes.

Boss Steve McNamara had initially planned on handing Whitehead his shot off the bench just after the hour mark.

But then the game wildly exploded and a huge melee ended with scrapping Bulls forward Sam Burgess and Wildcats captain Jason Demetriou both being sin-binned.

McNamara opted against throwing his young gun immediately into the aftermath and Whitehead said: “I was getting ready to get on but once that fight started I had to sit back down again.

“I was beginning to think I might not get on but it was great to get out there near the end. I came on for Nick Scruton and I just remember him saying ‘Don’t drop it!’ “Steve gave me his congratulations afterwards and told me well done.

“He was a bit disappointed with the game time too but hopefully there will be plenty more opportunities.”

McNamara has already shown his belief in the talented young forward after dropping regular Matt Cook to make room for the teenager.

Whitehead – who toured Australia with England last year – has been one of the Reserve Grade’s top performers this season since being promoted from the Bulls Academy and has been training full-time for the last eight months.

Whitehead said: “I quit my job as an electrician to go full time with the Bulls and play Super League.

“Sunday saw me do that for the first time and it makes it all worthwhile.

“It was good to get a win too and now I hope I can stay in there for the Warrington game and maybe get a bit more time on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls have been boosted by news that hooker Julien Rinaldi will also be available for the trip to Halliwell Jones Stadium.

He was tipped to play for France against England on Saturday night but has not been included by new French coach Bobbie Goulding.

• England coach Tony Smith has been buoyed by the RFL’s match review panel clearing Bulls forward Sam Burgess and captain Jamie Peacock of Leeds to face France after their on-field skirmishes over the weekend.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(12)