Craig Kopczak admits the Bulls’ sudden influx of youth has made him feel like one of the “old people” at Odsal.

The Welsh international prop is only in his second full campaign in Super League. But that makes him one of the senior players, considering the number of rookies Steve McNamara has blooded in recent weeks.

Eighteen-year-old half-back Cain Southernwood became the fourth different player in the past four games to be handed his debut as injuries continue to bite deep into the squad.

But Kopczak believes the young starlets can quickly get to grips with the demands being placed on them.

He said: “All the youngsters coming into the squad are doing a fantastic job. It’s a great learning experience.

“I remember when I came in and what it felt like. The young lads look up to the older people.

“I’m only 23 and I’m possibly one of the older players now! But I’m always trying to pass on information if it helps.

“I’ve been in their shoes, like many others have, and they are doing really well.”

The Bulls aim to arrest their slide at Castleford on Sunday – which has been moved forward to an 11.30am kick-off to avoid clashing with England’s World Cup tie against Germany.

The 40-28 loss to Warrington was Bradford’s fifth on the bounce but McNamara’s men drew encouragement from a very positive display.

Kopczak said: “We’ve had a couple of those sort of games now and results haven’t been going our way. Hopefully we can turn it round this week.

“It’s a little bit frustrating but you’re going to have these injury periods. Every team goes through them at some stage of the season and unfortunately it’s now Bradford’s turn.

“Now Scruts (Nick Scruton) is out but it gives another person a chance.

“It’s tough but we get plenty of time through the week to practise hard with some intensive training.

“Cas are obviously chasing our tails, so it’s going to be a huge game, but the boys have trained hard and we’ll be ready for it.”