JIMMY Lowes believes the Bulls' crop of promising youngsters could push for a first-team spot this season.

Ethan Ryan enjoyed a fine game in the centres during Friday's 26-8 friendly win over a youthful Castleford side and a batch of other academy talents were also on show.

Joe Lumb – who, like Ryan, is a full-time professional in Bradford's first-team squad – again impressed off the bench at acting half, while academy prospects Luke Hooley, Ollie Bartle, James Bentley and Liam Kirk also made their mark.

Those under-19s prospects will now look to follow Ryan and Lumb in earning full-time deals at Odsal and Lowes is optimistic about their chances.

Hooley and Kirk capped fine displays with second-half tries, adding to scores from Alex Mellor, Omari Caro and James Clare as the Bulls geared up for their Championship opener at home to Featherstone next Sunday.

Head coach Lowes said: "Physically these lads aren't far off and I don't see why they can't maybe force an opportunity this year. We will see how they progress but they might not have to wait until next year.

"Castleford gave a lot of their young boys an opportunity as well on Friday night, so that meant the step up wasn't massive for our young lads.

"James Bentley made a nice half-break when he came on in the first half and the rest of the young lads came to the fore in the second half.

"But I was pleased with everybody, not just the young boys. There are bits we need to work on, we know that, and there are some positives as well."

Rhys Jacks played the full 80 minutes at scrum half on Friday, while Dan Caprice came on in the second half on the right wing.

Lowes watched the game on DVD over the weekend and is poised to make a decision on whether to offer the duo a deal.

The Bulls boss said: "There has been a lot of pressure on those boys to come in and impress in training and matches. I'm not going to make any rash decisions on them."

Prop Jonathan Walker will be assessed after he sustained what Lowes called a "nasty gash" to this thumb which forced him off during the first half against Castleford.

Mitch Clark, Paul Clough, Steve Crossley, Johnny Campbell and James Mendeika all remain sidelined but club skipper Adrian Purtell is aiming to feature against Featherstone after missing both pre-season friendlies with a knock.

Lowes admitted: "We're not quite as healthy as I would have liked going into the first game."

But new recruit Richie Mathers will come into contention to face Featherstone and looks set to be handed the full-back spot at the weekend.

Lowes said: "I know what Richie brings and he's a good addition to this side. We've spoken about what I want from him and he's well within his capabilities of producing that.

"One of the reasons we've brought him in is to pass on his experience to players like Oscar Thomas."

Meanwhile, Castleford full back Ash Robson underwent an x-ray after suffering a dislocated knee in the closing stages of Friday's match.