Bulls' joy of six

Young guns Jason Crookes, Kieran Hyde, Keal Carlile, Steve Crossley, Tom Olbison and Elliott Whitehead have all made the squad for next month’s two-Test trip Down Under.

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding

Steve McNamara

It is by far the biggest representation Bradford has ever achieved – their previous best being just two – and McNamara believes the announcement signifies an exciting and bright future for the club.

“We’ve made a big push on our junior recruitment over the last 18 months and it’s absolutely fantastic to see these lads get such recognition,” he said.

“All six of them are really worthy of their selection and potentially there could have been a couple more going too.

“It’s vital we get our youngsters coming through to play Super League and their development has a massive impact on the whole club.

“This shows we are going in the right direction and a lot of credit has got to go to our scouting system and Academy staff who have set them up with their initial coaching and grounding.

“For the lads, it’s great news and real reward for all their efforts so far.”

The Bulls Under-18s are currently second in the Gillette Champions Academy after surging to eight wins from their opening ten games, including an 80-6 annihilation of Harlequins last Saturday.

Livewire full back Hyde (4), towering prop Crossley and loose forward Whitehead were among the try-scorers and it is no surprise Bradford – along with leaders St Helens – make up the bulk of England’s squad.

All the Bulls are 18 years old except Olbison, who has staggered selectors with his performances given the second-rower only recently turned 17.

McNamara said: “Tom’s come from nowhere really to get on this tour and his development – both physically and tactically – has been fantastic.

“His body has changed dramatically since he turned professional and he has an unbelievable attitude so he’s been a real bonus so far.

“Keal has been a very important player at hooker and made his Super League debut with us on Friday night.

“He’s had a big influence on the other kids with his play while Kieran has been scoring tries for fun.

“He’s elusive, quick, agile and a very good offensive player.

“Steve is another young front-rower coming off the production line who has a great work ethic and, like Elliott, is Bradford through and through.

“Elliott had difficulties last season but he’s knuckled down and played very well with the Under-18s.”

McNamara added: “This England squad is picked by a team of selectors sent from the RFL who go around watching plenty of matches.

“Elliott has not particularly been on the radar as a star young kid but he has impressed them with his displays and it’s a super reward.

“Jason’s the other and he’s quick, strong and has been training with the first team squad. He’s been out on loan at Widnes where he’s been able to develop his game and is showing real potential.”

Bulls assistant coach Basil Richards is in charge of England’s Academy when it heads out to do battle with Australia’s finest on July 16.

However, after Sunday’s Super League clash with Hull FC, he will also join England senior boss Tony Smith for next week’s one-off Test in France.

McNamara is Smith’s assistant but was never due to take part in preparations for the Toulouse clash because of his Bradford commitments while also safe in the knowledge fellow assistants James Lowes and Richard Agar were on board.

However, he explained: “Jimmy and Richard aren’t going either now because they’ve since taken up head coach roles themselves.

“Basil is going instead. It will give him a feel of the England set-up and it’ll be a great experience but he’ll be back in time for our next Super League match.

“It just means he’ll miss a couple of training sessions.”