BULLS star debutant Evan Hodgson says he will be "chuffed either way" as he waits to find out if he will return to the under-19s or remain with the first team this week.

The Academy side face deadly rivals Leeds Rhinos on Thursday (7pm), while the seniors have a crucial Championship fixture at home to struggling Dewsbury Rams.

Hodgson capped a fine debut for the first team with an impressive try in the Bulls' 21-13 Challenge Cup defeat to Featherstone.

And although the Odsal side should be boosted by the return of several loan players this weekend, the 18-year-old's display has kept him in the frame for the crunch clash with Rams.

Hodgson said: "I'll be chuffed either way. Leeds is a local derby for us and that's the game every year that I want to be in.

"It doesn't get better than the chance to turn your rivals over. I came through at Stanningley as well and we are playing over there (the game has now been switched to Headingley Carnegie due to the recent wet weather).

"But if I get the nod to be with the first team again, then obviously I'll be delighted too."

The young forward enjoyed a memorable debut, being thrust into action within five minutes due to an injury to James Mendeika and then weaving his way past Featherstone's defence for a fantastic score.

Hodgson said: "Being a prop, I don't score many tries, so it was good to get over. I was shell-shocked and chuffed at the same time.

"Leon (Pryce) was under a bit of pressure. I think he was going to kick it but I got back round and offered a bit of support.

"I thought about kicking it but I knew I was pretty close to the line and thought probably the best option, with it being seven tackles, was to just carry it and the try line opened up for me."

It means Hodgson has already avoided the dreaded club tradition of the naked run at the end of the season, which all players who have not scored a try have to perform.

"Thank goodness for that," he laughed. "I don't think anyone wanted to see that."

Hodgson's debut was all the more impressive as the youngster, who featured for the remaining 75 minutes after coming on, played out of position in the back row.

He said: "I thought I would be going to go on in the middle (at prop or loose forward) but got thrown into the back row with Mendy getting injured and Vila (Halafihi) going out to centre.

"I've not played much back row but the coaches said 'just carry the ball and tackle when you're needed and the lads will get you round the park'."

While disappointed at bowing out of the cup, Hodgson was pleased at the way the makeshift Bulls – with one of the youngest sides in their history – battled hard.

He said: "You're never going to be chuffed with getting beat but we had a few lads playing out of position and young lads like myself being in the team, so we were pretty proud."