LIAM Kirk would love to be part of the new-look Bulls in 2018.

The 20-year-old prop has been involved in every game this season and believes he has grown as a player.

Now he hopes to stay involved as the club prepare for a hybrid set-up in next term's League One.

Former coach Matt Diskin is thought to be an admirer at Batley Bulldogs but Kirk has indicated he wants to stay at Odsal.

He said: "I haven't agreed anything yet but hopefully I will still be here. I want to stay.

"I've come through the academy and it would be good to carry on. There are a lot of young lads coming through, which can only benefit the team next year."

The Leeds-born forward admitted he did not anticipate becoming such a regular performer in Geoff Toovey's plans. Yet his game has developed in a campaign that has also seen him score three tries.

Kirk said: "At the start of the season, I never thought I'd play as many games as I have – but you can only get stronger from that.

"It's been a tough but I definitely feel a better player for it. It's just the experience of playing in the Championship. It's a big step-up from the under-19s.

"But I think that helps with all the young lads. Look at Evan (Hodgson), who was different class on Sunday.

"He knows he can stand up to the older men in this league. There are some big boys and you have to get used to that physicality."

With a number of players expected to move on, the Bulls are finishing with a flourish. A win over Rochdale in the final game on Sunday would be their fifth in six games.

"We could have done with that earlier on in the season," said Kirk.

"The pressure is off a bit but it's good to finish well as a group and for ourselves. It gives you a bit of confidence.

"We hit a bump in the middle of the season and couldn't buy a win.

"After Toulouse and the Easter weekend, we didn't have a lot of depth in the squad. Obviously there are also a lot of young players.

"It takes its toll but there's no excuse. We've just had to get on with it."