Dewsbury head coach Glenn Morrison is predicting big things for highly-rated Bulls prospect Adam O’Brien.

With dual captains Heath L’Estrange and Matt Diskin currently hogging hooking duties, O’Brien has featured in only five games off the bench for Bradford.

O’Brien has subsequently had to ply his trade with Rams and, after scoring a try in their 20-16 win against York last weekend, Morrison believes he is starting to show the potential which saw him feature in the England Academy side two years ago.

“I think he’s showing everyone what an absolutely class player he is. It’s just a massive shame that he’s got two top-class hookers in front of him,” said the former Bulls second rower.

“He’s in a tough spot at the minute but L’Estrange and Diskin are not getting any younger and he’s definitely their future.

“He’s only young so he’s got a lot of development in him and, from what I’ve seen, he’s going to be a huge star of the future.

“It’s a similar sort of thing with Jobe (Murphy), who’s been unlucky and got himself injured and he’s out for the season.

“Players like that are the sort you want. Local boys who want to learn and you want to help develop through.”

Morrison admitted it would be difficult to sign O’Brien on a full-time basis with a view to him rejoining the Bulls – but did not rule out the possibility – as he also looks to tie down Murphy to Dewsbury.

He added: “If we can hold on to Adam for as long as we can and get him to Super League that would be our role fulfilled.

“But Adam signed a five-year deal with Bradford and I’m sure they probably wouldn’t want to let him go because they can see how good he is.

“I spoke to Jobe last week, so if he’s not full-time with them next season he’s full-time with us but we’ve got to get our budgets right.”