When Jamie Langley missed out on Sunday’s win against Hull KR through injury, one man’s loss proved to be the Bulls’ gain.

Initially, the long-serving back-rower’s absence from the teamsheet will have caused more than a few jitters among the Odsal faithful, such has been his impact so far this season.

But 18-year-old James Donaldson stepped into the void for his first-ever Super League start and Bradford did not even miss a beat.

Possibly the most pleasing aspect of the 40-4 triumph was the partnership between Donaldson and 20-year-old Elliott Whitehead in the second row.

The pair outshone and outperformed Hull KR’s more experienced duo of Clint Newton and Jason Netherton and Donaldson knows the experience will prove invaluable.

He said: “It was good to get my first start for Bradford. I got the nod the day before the game in training when Langers got an injury.

“Steve (McNamara) just said ‘you’re in’. He’s awesome with the young lads and I was delighted when I heard the news. I was just desperate to get out there and show what I’ve got.

“I feel a lot better starting than coming off the bench because the game’s obviously a lot faster by the time you get out there in the second half, so it was good just to get in there straight away.

“I’ve been up and down this season but I’m still learning. I’m young and eager and I just want to do what I can for the team.”

Similarly, Donaldson realises Bradford also have a long way to go.

The thumping win against Hull KR was their fourth in a row, lifting them back up to fifth in Super League.

Right now the signs are good but the squad are infected with a refreshing humility and a strong work ethic that should continue to drive them forward.

“It was awesome and we feel like we’re going more as a team now,” said Donaldson.

“We’re getting things right and everyone’s feeling good about how we’re going at the moment.

“But we’re not going to get too high on this. It’s important to keep going. We’re training better and every game it’s coming together a bit more.

“It’s all about concentrating on our game at the moment, trying to keep building on what we’re building every week and then we can look at the table come the end of the season.”