Steve McNamara won't be afraid to throw rookie Matt James back into action against Harlequins on Saturday.

One of the big pluses from the Bulls' defeat at Hull last Friday was the 19-year-old's courageous performance on his Super League debut.

With players falling like flies, James got thrust into the clash early on and ended up playing nearly an hour of the bruising battle.

But the cool-headed prop relished the occasion and delivered a remarkably promising display, meeting Hull's powerful front-rowers head on and taking no prisoners.

Boss McNamara admitted: "It was a great debut under the circumstances as, with Brett Ferres' injury, we really threw Matt into the spotlight.

"We had to leave him out there for a long period and he did a great job himself and for the team with some brilliant goal-line defence. He certainly didn't look out of place physically.

"He needed to get more involved offensively but that will come with his confidence and I'm highly delighted for him. Matt's got a big future at this club and he's in the frame to play again at Quins."

The Wakefield-based teenager said: "I really enjoyed myself. That was a lifetime ambition and to do it for a club like Bradford is great.

"I was really nervous on the bench but everyone calmed me down and helped me out. I could have done more carries but I just wanted to sort my defence out first.

"I don't know if I'll be in at Quins but I'll train hard and see how it goes. They ran Leeds close last week and it'll be another tough challenge."

The Bulls could welcome back Lesley Vainikolo and Paul Deacon for the trip to the Stoop, while Ferres may make a surprise return just eight days after limping off at Hull.