JAY Pitts was a raw teenager when he made his debut for Wakefield at Wigan in 2008.

Seven years later, the back-rower is a key cog in a Bulls side aiming to return to Super League at the first attempt.

The 25-year-old played 22 times for Wildcats and has fond memories of his time at Belle Vue.

Ossett lad Pitts, who marked his 150th career appearance with a try against Sheffield last weekend, said: “I’m looking forward to going back to Wakefield.

“I got an opportunity there and I like to think that I took it.

“John Kear gave me my shot when I was 18. He had faith in me and let me play, and I like to think I contributed quite a bit and hopefully it put me on the map.

“They’ve always had a really good team spirit and that was probably what got us through a lot of games when I was there.

“The lads were really tight and did everything together and I think that helped them grind out some performances.”

Pitts is enjoying a fine season and says the Bulls must engineer a significant improvement when they face the Wildcats on Saturday.

He added: “We are going to have to be better and a lot more clinical than we were against Sheffield and we need to do it for eighty minutes.

“Wakefield are a Super League team with a lot of good players.

“But there are a lot of good players here with plenty of experience and that’s what is exciting about this stage of the season.

“We’ve got the experience to be in these games, so hopefully that will only put us in good stead.

“Matt Ryan is a good player and he came on against Sheffield and played really well. That keeps you on your toes.”