Four promising young Bradford rookies have been named in the England academy squad to face the Australian Institute of Sport later this year.

Connor Spencer, Jack Cockerham, John Bateman and Liam McAvoy are all included in Dave Elliott’s 21-man squad for the match at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, December 4.

St Helens have the largest contingent in the squad, with five youngsters represented, while the Bulls are close behind with four and Warrington three.

Rookie back-rower Bateman rose to prominence during the 2011 campaign with a number of impressive displays and Bulls chief executive Ryan Duckett believes his successful transition to the first-team has set the benchmark for others to follow.

Duckett said: “I am delighted for the players as individuals and for our head of youth Paul Medley.

“To have almost 25 per cent of the squad from the Bulls is a great achievement for the club and further testament to our investment in our young players.

“Being involved with the England squad will be very good for their development and will greatly enhance their prospects of making the transition to Super League players.

“Our young players are maturing together and we saw three products of our system make their debuts last year. I am sure that with their determined attitude it won’t be long before we see the other three players joining John Bateman in playing first-team football for the club.”

Academy boss Elliott led the England Academy to a 2-0 series win over the Australian Schoolboys last December.

“Playing at this level gives the players a platform for them to launch their careers from,” he said.

“The success of some of last year’s squad in taking the next step showed that this is a stage to progress from.

“However, last year’s results are history because this is a different squad. We’re not worrying about last year, the focus is on what’s coming ahead.”

Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos both have two players in the squad while Hull FC, Harlequins RL, Huddersfield Giants, Widnes Vikings and Wakefield Wildcats have one player each selected.