GEOFF Toovey is confident that James Bentley's departure won't signal the start of a Bulls exodus.

As reported, Academy product Bentley will join Super League outfit St Helens at the end of the season after a string of fine performances for Bradford this campaign.

But while the Bulls are preparing for life in League One, Toovey is not expecting to see the club's other young stars heading for the exit door.

"James has been our best, most consistent player all year, so I think he's a different matter," the head coach remarked.

"At this moment, we're not going to be capable of stopping anyone who wants to play in Super League and has contracts waved in front of them – of course not.

"But what this does show is that this club has helped out and helped propagate young players coming through. Those young players can be assured that a career at Bradford leads places.

"We've got some great staff here, some great facilities and it's a great place to ply your trade. So I'm sure that will be the case next year and hopefully we can build from there and things will go onwards and upwards.

"All those young players out there who want to make a career in rugby league will see that Bradford is a good place to do that."

Toovey also believes the move could help the Bulls in attracting more talented loan additions in the future.

He said: "An example from outside the club is Jordan Lilley. He looks like he's going to extend his contract at Leeds because he played some great games for us, went back and killed it there.

"That augurs well for us. It ensures Leeds have trust and faith in us and shows those young players that this is a good place to develop their game and be their best."