MARK Dunning believes teenager Myles Lawford has the maturity to cope with Championship rugby.

The 18-year-old is set for a run in the Bulls side after making his debut in Sunday’s much-needed win over Workington.

With the Bulls facing major issues in the halves, Dunning has turned to the rookie Lawford for the run-in to the season.

And the coach has no qualms about throwing him into the deep end.

Dunning said: “I thought he was really mature for such a young bloke.

“I’m a firm believer if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. Myles showed what he is capable of and there’s more in his locker.

“Anyone who has watched Myles play over a number of games knows that wasn’t his best by far. He will only get better when he’s in and around these people and getting more experience.

“What a journey to go on and he’s only a young bloke.

“If somebody had said to Myles Lawford at the beginning of this season that he’d make his first-team debut this year, he’d have probably thought you’d gone a bit daft.

“He was still playing in the academy and earned the right to play reserves football. Then through his performances and appearances in the reserves he’s earned the chance to now be classed as a first-team squad member.

“It just shows what our youth system is about with him, George Flanagan junior and others who are really close and chomping at the bit. It makes me very proud.”

The Bulls last night discovered that Dec Patton's season is over after being found guilty of eye-gouging in the Summer Bash loss to Halifax.

The RFL disciplinary panel banned Patton for seven games - which will run into the opening two of next season. He was also fined £250.

 

Resources in the pivots are already stretched to the limit with the injuries to Jordan Lilley and Billy Jowitt.

Dunning will look at the dual-reg deal with Leeds but there could also be an opportunity at some point for Lewis Camden, another of the academy products.

Dunning added: “If I could have 17 Bradford-bred homegrown players on that field, I’d pick them every week.

“I’m a big believer in we need to keep our talent. We need to make that the foundation of this club going forward and we’ll do everything we can to do that.

“They care passionately and that’s a great base to work from.

“There’s a couple of things in the fire. We’ll work hard with them and if they get an opportunity, they will be better for the experience."