LIAM Kirk has revealed how he was inspired by Jamie Peacock as he prepares to make his debut on the day the former Bulls star comes out of retirement.

Imposing prop Kirk and winger Josh Rickett will make their first senior outing for Rohan Smith’s men at Workington on Sunday while centre Ross Oakes will make his third first-team appearance.

Former Drighlington amateur Kirk, who stands 6ft 4in and weighs around 103kgs, is one of six Under-19s players who has been promoted to the senior squad for the 2017 campaign.

The others include Rickett, Oakes, Brandan Wilkinson, James Bentley and Brandon Pickersgill.

Kirk played for the Bulls in Peacock’s testimonial in January 2015 and made a try-scoring appearance off the bench against Castleford in pre-season of this year.

When Kirk runs out against Workington on Sunday, 38-year-old Peacock will polish off his boots to feature for relegation-threatened Hull KR in their middle eights battle at London Broncos.

Kirk, who hails from Gildersome, said: “When I was a kid in primary school, I wrote a letter to Jamie Peacock to tell how he inspired me.

“To then play in his testimonial game last year was a real honour and what an unbelievable career he has had.

“I admire his work ethic, his leadership qualities and his willingness to defend.

“It’s crazy that he’s coming out of retirement on the day I make my first-team debut for the Bulls. I've still got that letter at home now.”

Kirk has played every game for the Under-19s this season and made huge strides under head coach Matt Diskin.

He added: “It should be a tough game on Sunday but a great experience for us young lads.

“Ross Oakes and I came through together at Drighlington and we've had a really good season in the academy with all the young lads pushing through.

“Disco has been a massive help this year and Rohan has obviously had an input into that because he comes to every game.

“I’ve signed a one-year deal for next season so it will be a big pre-season for me to bulk up and put a bit more weight on.

“Hopefully I'll get a chance to show what I can do and then take it.”

Head coach Smith said of his young guns: “Liam and Josh will make their debuts and we will also see Ross Oakes.

“Ross has been one of the stand-out players in the academy side since I came here and has obviously had a taste of the first-team.

“We're looking forward to giving Ross another opportunity.

“Liam has got plenty of growing left in him and he's already very tall, so he's going to be a big lad.

“He's got a great work-rate and a good motor. He's very tough, he works hard, and he's really excited about his opportunity. He's earned it.

“Josh is another good, tough kid who throws himself about. He likes to battle and I'm looking forward to throwing him to the wolves, so to speak.

“We don't have a deep squad at the moment due to long-term injuries and some players carrying knocks, so this is a good opportunity for these young lads to play.”

BULLS' Under-19s have missed out on a place in the Academy play-offs after Widnes beat London 46-36 at home last night to leapfrog Matt Diskin's side into fourth spot.