Rookie Bull James Donaldson seemed more chuffed downing fearsome man-mountain Iafeta Palea’aesina than scoring his first senior try.

The young loose forward, playing only his second Super League match, came off the bench to stretch over against Wigan. It was a memorable moment for the former England Schoolboy, who is still only 17 and tipped for a big future in the game.

But it is a sign of Donaldson’s character that he was just as pleased with his defensive impact, including bringing 19-stone wrecking ball Palea’aesina down to size with one textbook tackle.

“When I got out there, the first runner I saw was Palea’aesina,” recalled Donaldson, who came on in the first half on Sunday.

“I was right in front of him and I just thought ‘he’s here, he’s here, this is my time.’ “I managed to get him, got off the line as soon as I could and got underneath him.

“He didn’t like that and it boosted my confidence. I just seemed to go on from there.”

Donaldson – weighing in at only just over 13 stone and still growing in his first year as a professional – chopped down the thunderous Wigan prop on a few occasions in the narrow 20-14 defeat.

He went on to make 25 tackles in an impressive 40-minute spell and further highlight why the Bulls have such high hopes for him.

The Cumbrian also showed his confidence by ignoring the calls of skipper Paul Deacon to go himself from dummy half, getting in for the try that started a Bradford comeback after they trailed 12-0.

“I heard Deacs screaming for the ball but I knew it was the sort of place where I can do something and just went for it,” he added.

“I thought I was short but just got the ball out over the line.

“I didn’t know what to think after that. I was a bit shocked. It was only a few years ago I went to have a look around Wigan and was in their dressing room getting tops signed by people like Palea’aesina and Stuart Fielden, yet on Sunday they were out there in front of me.

“I never expected any of this to happen so fast but it was all great, apart from obviously not getting the final result.”

Fellow Academy product Elliott Whitehead, 19, made his first start against Wigan as boss Steve McNamara gives youth its chance.

Donaldson added: “We’ve got an awesome Academy here and everyone will see that soon.

“Steve has been amazing for me and I’ve come on so much because of him.

“It was nice to get out there and show what Bradford have taught me.”

Donaldson, who debuted off the bench against Castleford earlier this month, now hopes to retain his place for what would be his first away trip on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, hooker Terry Newton has confirmed he will join Wakefield at the end of the season on a two-year deal.