BULLS loose forward Elliot Minchella hit new heights at Coventry on Saturday.

The stand-in captain celebrated with a hat-trick of tries as the Betfred League One leaders won 62-12.

Man of the Match Minchella, who was leading the side in the absence of Lee Smith, was bursting with pride after the game.

"It's absolutely massive for me. I wasn't expecting to get the nod to be made captain," he said.

"I'm immensely proud to lead my hometown club and represent the city in front of these fans. It was a very nice moment."

His treble on Saturday took his try tally this season up to 25, but he insisted he takes pride in all aspects of his performance.

He said: "It's not just about scoring tries. I try to make sure I give everything attitude-wise and defensively, as well as showing energy and leadership.

"The tries were nice but a lot of them came from me backing up. The boys had done the hard work and I just had to finish it off.

"I'm having a good season. I'm really enjoying my rugby and playing for Bradford."

Minchella was full of praise for the hosts and their ground, with the Butts Park Arena enjoying an all-time record crowd of 1,465 spectators.

He said: "It's the first time I've been here and I'm quite impressed with the facilities. It's a good set up and the fans made it awesome.

"I know Coventry have marketed the game really well and that's shown by the numbers they've got through the gate.

"They look like a really good, up-and-coming club and I wish them all the best for this year and beyond."

Minchella is relishing the prospect of an exciting encounter with Newcastle Thunder at Odsal on Friday evening and he said: "I'm really looking forward to that test.

"Playing on a Friday night means it should be a good atmosphere and there'll be plenty of fans there making some noise.

"Newcastle are a strong side, we know that from when we went up there (and won 26-16) and it's going to be a good clash."