Cain Southernwood reckons the Bulls’ current focus on youth bodes well for both club and country.

The 18-year-old half-back made his Super League debut during Saturday’s defeat to Warrington as one of five players in the Bradford team aged 20 or under.

Four of those five are past or current England Academy internationals, Southernwood following in the footsteps of Elliott Whitehead, Steve Crossley and Tom Olbison by earning his first cap in the recent Test victory against France.

Danny Addy rounds off the quintet of youngsters on show against the Wolves and all of them have impressed on making the step up to Super League level.

“It’s great that the young lads are getting a shot,” said Southernwood, son of former Castleford hooker Graham.

“It’s the only way we’re going to beat the Aussies really, if we’re all getting that shot.

“I thought we could’ve won against Warrington. We had four young guys in and I still thought we could’ve beaten them.

“Injuries have given a few of us young lads a chance but the fact we’re coming through is only good for the club, for the country and for rugby league.”

Signed from Wakefield at the start of April, Southernwood was seen very much as one for the future, his lack of size a potential obstacle in making the shift to first-team action.

But a spate of injuries, including a season-ending problem suffered by playmaker Matt Orford, gave the Castleford-born starlet his chance at the weekend.

He said: “I was a bit nervous before, making my debut on Sky TV against second in the league Warrington. But a lot of guys helped me out and once kick off went I just got out there and tried to play my game.

“I’m delighted, I just want to keep on playing now. I’ve got a feel for it so I want to keep playing and see how far it goes.

“I wasn’t too worried about the big guys coming for me. ‘Never stay down’ is what I say.”

A first taste of Super League action also made Southernwood sure his decision to join Bradford was the right one.

He said: “It’s like a family here, I love it. It’s the best move I’ve ever made and I feel at home. Ox (Matt Orford) has been great helping me out at half back but everybody has been good.

“I’ve come halfway through a season so it’s always hard for a young guy to come in at half back and boss people around. It’s been a rollercoaster but I’m happy to be here.”