Bradford Bulls promote four top talents from academy

Marcus Green (middle), Jaden Barraclough (hooker), Jayden Myers (outside back) and Lewis Camden (full-back/half-back) will all be a part of the first team set-up in 2022, having impressed in the Under-19s this year.

The quartet are the latest in a long line of talent to come off the conveyor belt at the academy, following the likes of Thomas Doyle, Bradley Ho and Ebon Scurr in recent years.

Bradford boss John Kear has paid tribute to the work done by the club’s academy set up – insisting all four players have great potential and will add depth to his roster next term.

“We think they all have great futures, and we have spread the deals across all areas – three quarters, middles, hooker etc to give us more depth in the first team,” said Kear.

“They will get regular game time next year with the re-introduction of the reserve grade and I am convinced we will reap the rewards in years to come.

“They are four very good players who will make the step up. They are all players with great potential and it shows that the production at this club doesn’t stop.

“I have to pay tribute to the academy, their performances improved as the year went on, and more individuals went and put their best foot forward.

“That is marvellous for them and that is what you want to see – if you want to be a sustainable Super League club, which is what we aspire to be, you have to have your own academy system and production line.”

Head of Youth Leigh Beattie has spoken of his pride at the latest crop to graduate from the club’s academy set up.

“I am extremely proud of all four of them, it has been a tough year but they have shown great resilience to kick on like they have,” said Beattie.

“They are all great talents and I am sure training with the first team will further aid their development as players and as people.

“I would like to congratulate them all and also congratulate the hard working staff within the academy who have helped their development over the years.”