ELLIOT Minchella is currently making a name for himself as one of the brightest young prospects in Super League at Leeds Rhinos.

But it was in his home city of Bradford where he learnt his trade and fell in love with the game of rugby league.

Minchella grew up in Wibsey, played his amateur rugby at West Bowling and joined the Bulls in his mid-teens after a season with Keighley Cougars.

Then came a call from Rhinos boss Brian McDermott asking him to sign for Leeds.

"It was quite a tough decision to leave the Bulls but it was the best thing for me at the time," recalls Minchella.

"I actually had a season at Keighley Cougars when I was 13, then I went to Bradford. I was training with the year above with the likes of Alex Mellor and Nathan Conroy.

"Then Brian McDermott rang me and asked me to go and have a look around Leeds at the end of that season. I was really impressed and obviously Leeds have got a rich history of producing their own players and giving them a chance.

"They were champions at the time and the likes of Kev (Sinfield) and Danny McGuire were at their peak. I just found it really appealing and, by the time I am 20, they could be coming to the end of their careers.

"In the next three or four years, there are going to be a lot of changes at Leeds and it's time for us young lads to start making the step up.

"I've played a bit at loose forward, second row and even centre in training recently. I'm just under 6ft and weigh 94kg but I'm still developing physically."

Minchella, who turns 19 later this month, made his Super League debut for the Rhinos in August 2013, coming off the bench to score a late try in a thumping win at Salford.

It was a dream come true as he explained: "It was an unbelievable feeling and I still think about it now.

"I don't think it could have gone any better – it was at the end where the Leeds supporters were and they were chanting my name. My dad was there and the rest of my family.

"Even now you look around the changing room and you have to pinch yourself when you realise you are a part of that. I watched Jamie Peacock play for Bradford and now I am lining up alongside him.

"It's a bit surreal, to be honest, but you don't have time to dwell on it – you've just got to get on with it and make a name for yourself."

The good news for Minchella is that he has earned a place in the Rhinos' top 25 squad for 2015.

Alex Foster, Mason Tonks, Jordan Baldwinson and Thomas Minns will spend next season on loan at Featherstone. But Minchella will get the opportunity to stake a claim in Leeds' first team and will also be available for the Academy side and Hunslet, the Rhinos' partnership club.

Minchella, who was handed a new, improved deal last month, said: "I got told when I signed my new contract that I was going to be in the top 25.

"Brian then had a word with me and said I had progressed on from last season. He said he rates me – but I don't want to dwell on what has happened in the past. If there are injuries during the season, then hopefully I will get the nod.

"Rather than nail down one particular position, I like to practise in a few different ones to keep my options open.

"I played five Super League games last year, so I would like to beat that in 2015. I haven't necessarily put a number on it but if I'm going to be involved with the under-19s, then I'd like to have a good year for them as well."

One of Minchella's Super League appearances last season was the home defeat to Bradford. The match left his father Chris – a fanatical Bulls supporter – with mixed emotions.

Minchella explained: "My dad is happy for me but he's not very supportive of Leeds! I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for his backing but I don't think he will ever change.

"It has always been me and him – my dad brought me up on his own. He used to play a bit and he got me into rugby when I was a kid, so I've always had that connection; that father-son relationship.

"He loves it at the weekend if I'm playing and the Bulls are playing as well. Last season at Headingley was a bit surreal playing against the Bulls. My dad refused to sit with the Leeds fans – he stood in the Bradford end!

"I always look out for Bradford's results and I went to a few games last season with my dad. No doubt we will be going again."

Minchella is also particularly close to Bulls rookie Conroy, adding: "He's a good mate of mine. I've played against him a few times and we've been on holiday together.

"I went to West Bowling to do a presentation recently and did another one with Elliott Whitehead as well. I look up to Elliott quite a lot and was made up to see him playing for England in the Four Nations."

Minchella currently lives with his dad in Clayton Heights but will move into a house in Middleton, Leeds, with Liam Sutcliffe shortly.

Minchella was part of the England Academy side who beat the Australian Schoolboys in the second Test recently. He said: "I came off the bench in both games and it was brilliant to beat them in the second Test.

"Some people do 9-5 jobs but I'm playing rugby and it's a dream come true, really. I just hope I continue progressing and make a good career out of it. I don't want to look back at stuff I've done, I want to look forward."