One-time electrician Elliott Whitehead is desperate to make sparks of his own after packing in work to forge a Bulls career.

The promising second-rower is one of five teenagers who have accepted full-time offers from Steve McNamara for 2009.

Whitehead, 19, had already made a big sacrifice after quitting his job to tour Australia with England Academy this summer.

“I needed to train and they wouldn’t give me time off so I packed in,” said the former West Bowling junior.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’ve always wanted to be a rugby player.

“Now I’ve got a full-time Bradford contract as well I can concentrate on doing that. I’m just happy I’ve been given this chance.

“I’m from Horton Bank Top, have always been a Bulls fan and wouldn’t play for any other club, so this is just great.”

The towering forward excelled with the club’s Academy this season, winning the players’ player of the year award.

McNamara saw enough to thrust him into training with his Super League squad starting on November 5.

Whitehead will mix it with international pack stars like Sam Burgess, Jamie Langley and David Solomona but linking up with one player in particular is really whetting his appetite.

“I am looking forward to training with Steve Menzies,” he said, about the club’s legendary new signing.

“I got to watch him a lot while we were out in Australia. He is just class. As a second-row, hopefully I can learn plenty from him but I’ll be training with quality players and hopefully all that will eventually progress me up into the first team.

"I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity to prove I’m capable. I know a lot don’t.”