The realisation of a life-time ambition proved bittersweet for Bulls prop Steve Crossley.

Bradford born and bred, the 20-year-old has dreamed of playing for his home-town club since he first picked up a rugby ball, and finally had his wish granted in Sunday’s trip to Crusaders.

Injury to captain Andy Lynch meant Crossley was drafted onto the bench for his Super League debut to provide an added front-row option.

But, as much as the former England Academy star relished his big break, a 44-20 defeat took some of the shine off the occasion.

“Being a Bradford lad, pulling on the shirt for the first time and playing in a Super League game meant the world to me,” said Crossley.

“I started to watch the Bulls when I was about six, and since I first started to play rugby all I’ve wanted to do is play for them.

“It was a great experience and I really enjoyed the occasion, it’s just a shame about the result.

“We’ve just got to pick ourselves up now and get ready for Warrington.”

In Crossley’s case, patience has paid off.

Since joining the first-team squad at the start of last season, the former Clayton ARLFC junior has been champing at the bit for a chance to impress.

A consistent performer for the club’s junior sides, the strong-running prop proved his potential after being named player of the tour when England Academy visited Australia in 2008.

But he has had to reign in some of his natural enthusiasm in waiting to make his bow at the highest level.

He said: “Steve (McNamara) pulled me to one side a few times because I’ve been desperate to play first-team for a long while.

“But he told me to be patient and, in the case of props, you get better as you get older. He assured me I would get my chance and now I’ve taken my first step, I just want to keep climbing.”

And in Lynch and Nick Scruton, Crossley knows he has the ideal role models to help him continue improving.

He said: "Lynchy’s been great and in the build-up to my debut, he was always coming up to me, shaking my hand and offering advice and congratulations.

"He’s a great player, a real athlete and a worker, someone who sets a really good example. Scruts is the aggressor, the kind of player you want to get off the back of and keep moving forward."