New Bulls recruit Luke Gale has been hailed as a role model for aspiring young Super League players ahead of his England Knights debut tomorrow.

The close-season signing from Harlequins will feature off the bench against France in Leigh for the Knights’ first-ever game.

Half-back Gale, 23, failed to make the grade at Leeds Rhinos but went on to prove his class at Doncaster before establishing himself in Super League with Quins.

His quality persuaded Bradford coach Mick Potter to sign him on a two-year deal from next season and he has received a ringing endorsement ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

Knights head coach Kieran Purtill told the T&A: “I’ve been very impressed with Luke in training this week and he will be involved off the bench tomorrow.

“He’s looked fit and sharp and is a great character to have around the place.

“He has outstanding energy and organisational skills and will bring a lot of enthusiasm to the team against France.”

Reflecting on Gale’s rise to prominence, Purtill added: “Luke is a great example and role model for all young players at Super League clubs.

“Things didn’t quite work out for him at Leeds but he has persevered and never lost faith in his ability.

“He reinvented himself at Doncaster and has gone on to be one of the shining lights for Harlequins in the past few seasons.

“He has a spark about him and is not afraid to try something off the cuff.

“He will be a massive loss to Quins because he formed such an effective creative triangle with Luke Dorn and Chad Randall.

“Bradford perhaps struggled in the halves last season, so signing Luke will certainly help them in that area.”

Rookie Bulls forward James Donaldson, meanwhile, is not involved tomorrow as he is carrying a knock.

However, the former Wath Brow Hornets junior, 20, could feature in the Knights’ next outing against Cumbria in Whitehaven seven days later.

That would be a special occasion for Donaldson, who grew up in Whitehaven, and Purtill added: “James has a little niggle but he should play some part against Cumbria next weekend.”