LEE Gaskell's hat-trick ensured he took centre stage during Sunday's win over Whitehaven – but Jay Pitts was not far behind him.

The Bulls back-rower scored a first-half try before providing two superb assists for Gaskell's first two touchdowns after the break.

Pitts' assiduous work-rate, ability to break the line and make a telling pass have marked him out as one of Bradford's most influential performers in the opening two matches.

He is also providing the inspiration for promising young academy graduate Alex Mellor.

The 20-year-old forward said: "Pittsy is a good leader and a great role model on and off the field. I like to watch what he does and stick with him, which is helping me a lot.

"Breaking the line and making nice little passes is a big strength of his and he's just a great all-round player. He's got the heart for it and you can't ask for much more than that."

Inspired by the influence of 25-year-old Pitts, Mellor is fast carving out a decent reputation of his own.

He has looked the part off the bench against Leigh and Whitehaven and is determined to keep his place in Jimmy Lowes' top 17.

Mellor explained: "We've got a big squad and I had to train really hard during pre-season to catch Jimmy's eye.

"I've got a long way to go, and I'm still progressing, but I'm hoping to get in the 17 every week and show what I can do.

"I've been pleased to a certain extent with how things have gone so far – but you can always improve.

"I look at the positives but I look at the negatives more because I want to get better all the time. That's obviously going to spur you on to become a better player."

Having been handed his senior debut by Francis Cummins in a Super League home match against Warrington in June 2013, Mellor is in his third season in the Bulls' first team.

At 6ft 3in and over 15st, the former England academy player is imposing.

Mellor said: "It was tough on Sunday, especially going in at loose forward and making a lot of tackles. Whitehaven carried the ball strongly and I could certainly feel it after the game."

Some fringe players at Bradford look certain to be sent to Coventry to play following the club's link-up with the midlands outfit.

But Mellor vowed: "I want to keep playing for Bradford, stay in Jimmy's good books and hopefully keep playing well here.

"Every player's goal is to play first-grade here at Bradford, but there is that option to go to Coventry.

"If I have to go down to Coventry, then I will go and give it my all down there as well. But I want to keep my place as long as I can and keep pushing forward here at Bradford.

"Rugby is probably not as fast in the Championship but the contact is very tough and it's a lot more feisty than Super League. People want to come out and bash you – but you've just got to deal with it."

Having lost to Leigh in their opening match of the season, the Bulls now face another promotion rival this weekend in Featherstone.

Mellor should face Jordan Baldwinson, who he has played with for England academy and Bradford – and possibly Garreth Carvell, who infamously left the Bulls after just one appearance in a friendly against Hull.

Mellor said: "Featherstone will be great test for us, playing against a few familiar faces, but all that goes out of the window when you're out on the field. You just play rugby.

"Gaz is a tough player and you know he's going to run hard and tackle hard. I played in the England academy with Jordan and he's an absolute workhorse – he will tackle and run all day.

"But we need to lay down a marker by beating a top-four side, so going to Featherstone and getting a result would be huge to kick-start our season and really push us on.

"It was disappointing to lose at Leigh, so this test at Fev will be massive."

On a personal note, Mellor's next target is to secure a starting spot in Lowes' side and he said: "You're always looking to improve further.

"I've come off the bench in the last two games, which was great and I'm thankful for that opportunity. But I'm always looking to push forward and always looking to get that starting spot if I can."