BRANDON Pickersgill is relishing his new role as one of the “older” heads in the Bulls squad.

The full back may be only 22 but he is happy to pass down his experience to the youngsters looking to break into John Kear’s plans.

Pickersgill said: “I’ve had three or four pre-seasons so I know what it’s like. I can prep and get ready for it.

“This one is a bit different. I’m a bit more of a senior player now.

“I’ve tried to help the young boys as much as I can leading by example and doing anything I can.”

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Pickersgill appreciates the importance of putting down a marker in the warm-up games.

His performances in the build-up to Kear’s first year in charge caught the coach’s eye and he went on to establish a regular place in the promotion-winning side from League One.

So Pickersgill is well aware that standards must stay high in the countdown to the Bulls’ Championship opener against London on February 2.

“When you are training, there are three or four blokes looking to take your shirt now,” he added.

“Competition is always good and it’s a reminder that if you’re not performing, someone’s going to take it off you."

Young front rower Ebon Scurr impressed in the Boxing Day win at Castleford, while Sam Smith and Harry Shackleton stepped up from the club’s Academy to make their first team bow.

Pickersgill added: “John has got no qualms about putting young boys in. It’s quite refreshing to see that challenge.

“This is the best part of it now. We stop getting flogged every session and start prepping for the season.

“The young boys are keen to give a good account of themselves and the new boys will be digging in as well.

“In terms of myself, I’ve trained really hard this pre-season and I’m raring to go.”