BULLS rookie Ethan Ryan is determined to make the most of his second chance at Odsal and become a regular in Jimmy Lowes’ side.

The utility back played for Bradford’s Under-16s before being released and joining Keighley Cougars.

The Bulls came back in for him and, along with hooker Joe Lumb, he has joined the first-team squad for the 2016 campaign.

The pair both featured in Sunday’s opening friendly at Leeds and have been joined in the squad for tomorrow’s visit of Castleford by academy prospects Ollie Bartle, James Bentley, Luke Hooley and Brandon Pickersgill.

Ryan, who played his amateur rugby at West Bowling, said: “I first started at Bradford in the Under-16s and then got released before coming back in the second year of the academy.

“I was fifteen or sixteen when I was released by Bradford and I then went to play for Keighley’s reserves.

“I was there for about a year and a half before the Bulls asked me back on trial.

“I played two years in the academy and this is my first year of being full-time.

“I’ve signed a one-year deal and I’m already thinking about next season, so that means taking my chance and showing what I can do.

“Having only a one-year deal means I’m not guaranteed any rugby next year. I have to prove myself this season.”

Ryan, who can play wing, full back and centre, featured for the Bulls against Leeds in Jamie Peacock’s testimonial in January 2015.

He was delighted to be involved at Headingley again last weekend and has now fixed his sights on establishing himself in Lowes’ plans for the season ahead.

Ryan added: “When I came on against Leeds last year I played on the wing whereas I got a chance in the centres last Sunday.

“It was very fast but I really enjoyed it and it was good to get an opportunity out there.

“As a young lad coming through, when you get a chance you’ve got to try and take it.

“Hopefully throughout this year, if I do get that chance, I can play well and try and establish myself in the Bradford first-team.

“I can play wing, centre or full back and have been training in all three positions, so I do offer utility value.”

Managing director Steve Ferres said recently that Ryan and Lumb could be sent out on loan to play regularly, but right now the pair seem very much part of Lowes’ plans.

Ryan said: “Nothing has been mentioned to Joe or I, so as far as I’m concerned we are still here until told otherwise.

“It’s really good and I get on with all the lads really well. They are welcoming and have helped me to settle.”

Trialists Dan Caprice and Rhys Jacks have also been included in the squad to face Castleford as they look to stake their claim for a permanent contract.

Head coach Lowes said: “These boys just want opportunities and they have funded themselves to come up here on trial.

“We will see how things pan out in the next couple of weeks and then I’ll make a decision from there.”

Bulls' 26-man squad: Danny Addy, Ollie Bartle, James Bentley, Matty Blythe, Dan Caprice, Omari Caro, James Clare, Dale Ferguson, Dan Fleming, Kurt Haggerty, Vila Halafihi, Luke Hooley, Rhys Jacks, Ben Kavanagh, Epalahame Lauaki, Joe Lumb, Alex Mellor, Adam O’Brien, Tom Olbison, Brandon Pickersgill, Jay Pitts, Ethan Ryan, Adam Sidlow, Oscar Thomas, Johnny Walker, Lucas Walshaw.