BRANDON Pickersgill is becoming one of the leaders in the revamped Bulls.

The full back delivered an outstanding display in Sunday’s opening loss against London Broncos.

Pickersgill produced two key try-saving tackles as the Bulls were narrowly beaten 18-14 in their first Championship game at Dewsbury.

Head coach John Kear heaped praise on a player he reckons will continue to get better.

Kear said: “He was outstanding. He really is a high-quality full back.

“He's one of the best defensive full backs I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

“Scott Grix was phenomenal with his numbering off and reading the opposition shape. But this kid’s as good.

“When they break and he has to make the one-on-ones, nine times out of 10 he does.

“I was pleased with all their efforts but I think his was a stellar one.”

Pickersgill played 21 times last season as he established himself in the number one role.

With the changes in the squad over the winter, Kear sees him as an increasingly important presence.

He added: “Brandon is becoming a leader within the group. He is maturing.

“He’s only 22 – which is a veteran by some standards - and he’s certainly got his best years ahead of him, as the vast majority of this squad have. That’s very heartening for us.”

Kear was also delighted with the two-try debut from Matty Dawson-Jones as he fills the boots left by the prolific Ethan Ryan.

“That’s the reason why I’ve been so keen on signing Matty,” said Kear.

“It’s been a long time but when I was asking about dual registration, it was all within that.

“He’s a Super League winger, that’s the top and bottom of it, and he demonstrated that with two great finishes – and had half a chance as well that he almost got.”

The Bulls were encouraged by their start against one of the Championship promotion favourites.

Kear’s focus this week will be on sharpening up one or two areas of their game before they travel to York, another of the fancied sides.

“We’ll have to look at the goalkicking, so that’s better in the coming weeks, and we’ll have to look at converting the half-chances as well.

“But if we play as well as we have done against London, we’ll have a pretty good season.”