BULLS full-back Brandon Pickersgill says there is no real pressure on today’s comeback friendly against Swinton, though he admits it will be a surreal experience.

The Bradford lad is now 23, so can perhaps no longer be considered as a “hot prospect”.

He has been helping out the youngsters who play in his position, but knows he must put himself first.

Speaking about today’s game in Dewsbury, Pickersgill said: “It’s crazy that’s we’re coming up to a full year since we last played a game of rugby league.

“We’re all dead excited to get out there but it will be strange, as we’ve not experienced playing behind closed doors before.”

Asked what John Kear is expecting from his side, Pickersgill said: “I think it’s just a case of John wanting us to get back out there and do the basics right.

“It’s not really about us looking to put up a massive score, or even win really.

“We have a big squad for the game, so there’ll be rotation and we’ll be working on different combinations.

“It’s not about executing Plan X, Y and Z like in a league game, but obviously a good performance in a friendly can help put your name forward for a starting spot going into the season.”

Pickersgill has been a first-team regular for a while now, despite only being 23.

Remarkably, he is the oldest full-back at the club, with his competition coming in the form of youngsters Joe Brown, Billy Jowitt, Matthew Race and Joe Burton.

Pickersgill said: “It’s a funny one isn’t it? I’ve been called a young player for a while, but I don’t think you can say that any more.

“I do see myself as one of the leaders of the team now. I’ve been here six years so I know what the club’s about.

“I’ve been working with Joe Burton, who’s in the squad for Swinton. He’s been flying in the academy and it’s mad to think just how young he is.

“I’ve been doing training with Billy Jowitt too, so with the pair of them I’m trying to pass on what I can.

“But I have to concentrate on my own game most, as John will always say your place in the team is never safe, age doesn’t matter.”

Despite knowing he has to put himself first, Pickersgill loves to help out others, and he has been running online fitness sessions for youngsters as part of the Bulls Foundation.

Pickersgill said: “I completed my degree in sports coaching last year, and wanted to dive deeper into it.

“The Foundation have helped me explore that. I’ve worked at the Odsal training camps before and I’ve delivered about 20 Zoom sessions in the last few weeks.

“I really enjoy being able to give back to the community and I feel it’s good for those younger people to see that a first-teamer like me is no different to them.

“It also shows their dream of playing for the club is not a million miles away.”