JAYDEN Myers is celebrating a new two-year deal with Bradford Bulls, and the 20-year-old is determined to force his way back into first-team contention.

Having started five games under Mark Dunning in 2023, he is yet to feature under Lee Greenwood and Brian Noble.

Myers is in regular dialogue with the pair and has asked for a loan to increase his game time, but the coaches want him to stay in case he is needed while injuries pile up.

The youngster is understanding of his position but is not afraid express himself, telling the T&A: “When I was talking with Lee, Brian and (CEO) Jason Hirst about the new contract, I said I would like some more game time.

“I strung together a few games in a row earlier in the year, and started five times in total, but I don’t think I hit my peak.

“I know I can show Greeny, Nobby and Jason that I’m even better than they think and if I keep training hard, I’m sure I’ll get chance to get back in the team this year.

“I speak to Nobby and Greeny all the time and they’ll tell me if they feel I’ve been slacking in training or done a good job and I’m always there to help them out if some gets injured.”

And with injuries affecting the side at present, that has had a knock-on effect for Myers, who said: “I’ve asked to go out on loan, because I’d got that bug for playing regularly.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jayden Myers looked good on his first Championship start against Batley.Jayden Myers looked good on his first Championship start against Batley. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“The coaches have other ideas though, and they just feel with the injuries we’ve got, they might need me to step up at some point.

“It might be something we look at again if I go another few more weeks without playing, but I can’t disagree with them and the decision.”

Myers is thrilled to have two more years to prove his worth though, saying: “I’m buzzing and quite proud of it.

“I’m happy for it to be two years because it gives me stability for the future and it adds to the five years I’ve already been here.

“The aim is to get more game time this season, but two years gives me chance to develop, prove people wrong, and secure a first-team shirt in the future, week in, week out.”

He added: “I want as much game time as I can now but at the minute the lads are on fire.

“Once you’ve played in the first team, all you want to do is play, and even though I’m only 20, I still want regular games, but right now there are other plans, and with the way the boys are going that’s understandable.”

Dunning was the man who gave Myers his first-team chance, with the young centre saying: “It was a big thing for me, Mark leaving.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Mark Dunning gave Jayden Myers his chance aged 15.Mark Dunning gave Jayden Myers his chance aged 15. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“A lot of the lads in the team didn’t know him like some of us younger lads did, because he brought me to the club as a 15-year-old and gave me my chance in the scholarship side and the first team for example.

“Times had become tough at the club by the end and if the lads don’t perform, ultimately it’s the coach who gets the blame.

“I’m still in touch with Mark and I class him as a mate.

“But he’s moved on after things changed in camp, and it’s not something I can dwell on.

“With training, Greeny and Nobby have always been around anyway, and though things have changed with them in charge, that’s not in a bad way.”