MARK Dunning insists this is the best time to be a youngster at the Bulls.

John Kear was impressed with the efforts of his youthful side in Sunday’s friendly at Hunslet.

With numbers limited this year, Kear has stressed that the door is open for any rookies to push their first-team claims during the pre-season build-up to the new Championship campaign.

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Reserves head coach Dunning has reiterated that view as he urged the club’s rising talent to seize their opportunity.

Dunning said: “There’s no better time to be a young player at Bradford Bulls than now. Everything’s documented of where we’ve been and what’s gone on over pre-season.

“As a group we want to leave it there. It’s in the past and we’re moving on.

“But as a young bloke now, let’s be honest we’ve got a small squad and we’ve got a squad if you’re capable and do the right things you’ll get an opportunity.”

Dunning has stepped up to his new position following the departure of Garreth Carvell after three years as under-16s head coach. He has also been assistant to under-18s boss Leigh Beattie.

But he will continue in his role as assistant first-team coach under Kear.

Dunning added: “They are going to be tested against some quality players and that’s the point.

“We’re using this as a development into the first team and they are going to have to show up and deal with good players. If they do so, then the progression is there.

“The chance is there for those guys to knock on the first-team door.

“Having spoken to some of the senior players, they are absolutely delighted with the enthusiasm and tempo they are bringing to training sessions.

“They are keeping the senior ones on their toes and it’s good to see. They are all putting their foot forward and long may it continue.”