THERE are games you watch as a fan or cover as a reporter when the story of the match very quickly becomes apparent.

The Bulls’ demolition of Hunslet at the South Leeds Stadium on Sunday was one such match.

Jake Mullaney needed less than ten minutes to take centre stage, first by creating the opening try for Adam O’Brien and then scoring himself in quite exhilarating fashion.

Even at that early point in the match, Mullaney was the talking point in the stands and in the press box.

That he went on to score three more times to complete a four-try haul, merely confirmed the headlines were his.

The laconic Aussie was typically laid-back about his virtuoso display.

“I just got a bit of space and was quite pleased with how it went,” he casually remarked.

Mullaney’s ability and indeed willingness to drive at the heart of rival defences was clear for all to see.

To break the opposition’s line so easily, score four tries and create others for team-mates requires a special kind of talent.

Yes, the Bulls were playing Hunslet – a part-time outfit struggling at the wrong end of the Championship.

But the way Mullaney reduced them to rubble, single-handedly at times, ensured the 1,000 or so Bulls supporters walked a little taller as they headed home.

Mullaney’s acts of individual brilliance were the kind of moments that rugby league supporters live for.

It was not merely about Mullaney emerging as the game’s outstanding performer; it was the fact he did so from the pivotal stand-off role.

His display raised the question of whether he should be kept there for the far greater challenges that lie ahead.

Mullaney has been likened to former Warrington full back Brett Hodgson due to their slight physiques and ability to play at one and six.

Mullaney was signed from Salford as a full back to replace Brett Kearney and has demonstrated his ability to support the attack from that position.

But when he is in the halves, he has far less defensive responsibility on his shoulders and can focus more on orchestrating the Bulls’ attacks.

Should Jimmy Lowes now give him an extended run there?

That was the question on many Bulls supporters’ lips after Sunday’s Mullaney-inspired victory.

His elusive running game – Lowes jokingly likened him to “a little rat scurrying up a drainpipe” – was augmented by Danny Addy’s astute kicking and passing skills.

Lee Gaskell will be back from injury shortly and will come straight back into the side at stand-off.

Gaskell’s inclusion is not even up for debate, of course.

Who, though, should play alongside him in the all-important Super Eights?

Harry Siejka, who has shown glimpses of his class during an injury-disrupted debut campaign, will soon be pushing to regain his spot.

But the way Mullaney, who is off contract at the end of the season, played on Sunday suggested he deserves to stay there.

Perhaps let Ryan Shaw and James Mendeika battle it out for the full back spot so Mullaney can play further forward where he can do most damage?

Addy said: “I thought Jake had spiders on him at one point on Sunday because nobody could touch him. He’s that good a player and he showed that when he was taking people on. He was class.”

What is he like to play alongside?

“He’s one of those lads who is quiet around training and off the pitch,” continued Addy.

“What he does with the ball is outstanding and, if we play together in the halves again, then great.

“I like to think I get on well with everybody in this squad and that we have got a really close bond.

“I’m happy to play with anyone in this team and if me and Jake can keep linking up and creating some tries, then that’s even better.”

The way Lowes manages his starting line-up, his bench and his squad in the coming weeks will effectively decide the Bulls’ promotion fate.

Using Mullaney at full back means his attacking threat can be utilised from deep and could allow Siejka and Gaskell’s partnership to be resumed.

But Addy has proved his versatility once again this season and showed he is more than capable of playing in the halves.

As Gaskell and Siejka return to contention shortly, you would think Mullaney will return to full back and Addy to the back row.

A selection headache beckons for Lowes, but it is a welcome one.