If the injuries that have hamstrung leading Bulls players this year continue, the club can always look to the future.

The U-19 academy played their opening game of the season in front of a sparse crowd at Odsal and defeated a strong Wigan side 34-28.

An impressive array of youngsters, including Super League squad players Paul Sykes, Jamie Langley, Aaron Smith and Vinny Myler, took part under the watchful eye of coach Brian Noble.

Tries from Nicky Johnson, Ben Western, Michael Lyons, Richard Colley and a couple from Jamie Langley were complemented by five goals from Sykes to yield the victory.

Prop Richard Moore, recently loaned out to Keighley, played an impressive opening 40 minutes, despite playing a full game for the Cougars in Sunday's pathetic loss at Batley.

The Cougars are keen to retain the big-tackling Moore for another month, but are resigned to his return to their Super League neighbours.

"It is a blow losing him," said Cougar coach Gary Moorby.

"He has done an excellent job for us and will find him hard to replace. We would like to see him here for another month and will be in discussions with the Bulls over a possible return, but for now he is a Bulls player once more."