OF the clubs to have enjoyed success in Super League in recent times, each team has been characterised by a homegrown heart.

Take the golden generation at Leeds, which harvested six Super League titles in a decade, and the more recent emergence of men such as Stevie Ward, Liam Sutcliffe and Ash Handley.

Applaud the impact of the likes of Liam Farrell, George Williams and Dominic Manfredi at Wigan and the famed production line at St Helens which ensures they compete for silverware every year.

The amount of talent that Bradford have lost – Sam Burgess, John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead – down the years is endless.

But this week’s news that highly-regarded young back-rower Alex Mellor had signed a contract extension to the end of 2017 warmed the heart of every Bulls supporter.

Head of youth John Bastian, who oversees the club’s junior set-up which includes the Under-16s and Academy, said: “Ultimately, we want homegrown British players and we’re going to achieve that.

“Bradford has always produced talented rugby league players. It’s a tough, competitive city and we want to get back to that.”

The club’s two spells in administration in 2012 and 2014 have had a detrimental impact on the youth set-up.

But since Bastian was brought on board at the end of last season, the building blocks have been restored.

The Bulls are working more closely with the city’s amateur clubs and head coach Jimmy Lowes has got members of the Under-19s squad involved with the first-team.

Bastian, who had spells in charge of the youth system at Leeds and Warrington, said: “Jimmy has been so pro-active with the juniors in the Under-16s and certainly in the Under-19s.

“He gets to games, he’s had players down on the training paddock with the first-team, and is very supportive of the junior sides.

“We will instil our own culture and philosophies that will stem from Jimmy and how he wants things to be done.

“That’s filtering down now to the 19s and 16s and there is a good work ethic and moral standards to these young men.”

Leigh Beattie coaches the Under-16s and Matt Diskin is in charge of the Under-19s.

Bastian added: “I’ve been delighted with the Under-16s and the job that Leigh Beattie is doing with his staff.

“We’ve got some wonderful players who are signed on with us and have added one or two lads from other clubs too.

“In the Under-19s, Matt Diskin has done some good work with them and they are still building.

“Again, there are some quality players in the side and their attitude is good.

“They have been competitive in the majority of their games; some of the games they have got over the line in, some others they haven’t.

“We’ve been delighted with the progress of Ethan Ryan, who can play centre or wing and full back too.

“He played for the first-team against Leeds in pre-season and I’m delighted with how he gone.

“We’ve got Joe Lumb, a hooker who has been playing open-age with West Bowling.

“He’s done a wonderful job with the Under-19s and caught the eye of the senior coaching staff.

“The biggest disappointment is that when they get to 19, some players still need two or three years to fully develop.

“Not having a reserve grade means we are missing that because it’s a big part of our game.

“Most Super League coaches would agree that we need another tier, whether it be an Under-23s side or a reserve-grade.”

Bastian has established strong links with BullBuilder, the supporters trust who raise money for the club’s youth set-up.

“They are buying us a leg-press machine for the gym which is going to be vital for our junior players’ development,” added Bastian.

“BullBuilder are a Godsend and we really appreciate their invaluable support.”