TWO pupils from Tong Leadership Academy are hoping to make their mark in the Bradford Bulls scholarship programme - and one of them has a name which Bulls fans will already recognise.

George Flanagan and Osman Conteh, both aged 15, are among the latest batch of youngsters aiming to progress through the club's prestigious youth system.

And George - who is the son of the Bulls first-team hooker of the same name - wants to follow in his father's footsteps and carve out a career in rugby league.

The talented youngster has been playing the game since he was five and is thought to have attracted the attention of several Super League clubs.

But he was happy to sign for his home-town club and said: “I’ve been playing rugby for as long as I can remember, so to be awarded this scholarship is a dream come true.

“I’m now focused on my training and I really want to be able to play for the under-16s.

“I hope that one day I’ll be able to play professionally. I’d really like to play for England.

“My mum and dad have helped me loads and I’m really grateful to them. Dad helps me with my training and my mum takes me to all my training sessions. They have told me they are so proud of me.”

In contrast to his school mate, Osman only began playing the sport two years ago. His pace soon caught the eye playing for amateur club West Bowling.

And he revealed that American rugby union sevens player Carlin Isles - who has been touted as the game's fastest player - is his inspiration.

He said: “I had been doing a lot of athletics training and when I was given the chance to try rugby league I thought I’d give it a go as it looked like a lot of fun.

“Carlin Isles is definitely my inspiration. When I’m older, I want to be faster than him.

“When I was first offered the scholarship I was really excited but a bit scared as well.

“Everyone has high expectations of me and I know this is going to involve a lot of hard work.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and I’m going to do the very best I can."

Principal of Tong Leadership Academy Dan Styles said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for two of our very talented young people.

“We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to cheering them on as they progress in their sporting endeavours.”

The scholarships will see the boys undertake intensive training schedules under the expert guidance of coaches in the Bulls youth set-up which has produced the likes of Sam Burgess and Jacob Trueman.

Head of Youth Development Leigh Beattie said: “I am delighted to offer Osman and George a scholarship at Bradford Bulls.

“They are very talented players with great attitudes, which is a great compliment to their parents, community clubs and school.

“I am looking forward to working with them over the next two years.”