Rugby union convert Ryan Atkins bids to press on for a Super League debut after impressing during the Bulls' pre-season friendlies.

The centre, 20, caught the eye against Warrington and Dewsbury with some dangerous running and powerful defence.

Now he has targeted continuing his development and eventually

forcing his way into Brian Noble's long-term plans.

"My aim is just to get a few games under my belt this year, keep proving myself and get a new contract," said Academy star Atkins.

"Nobby and Steve Mac have said my problem has been consistency. I'll be playing well for two matches and then have a bad one. But I've enjoyed these two friendlies and now want to keep at it."

Atkins was thrust straight into the Bulls' first-team squad last year after being plucked from Bramley Phoenix RUFC.

"I'd only been here about six months and didn't have a clue," he recalled.

"It all came as a surprise and I didn't really feel the benefit of pre-season.

"But this year I feel brilliant and can tell I'm improving. I'm really en-joying it, which is the main thing."

Atkins - who flies to Lan-zarote with the squad tomorrow - made just one senior appearance off the bench in the Challenge Cup at Featherstone last year, and has a tough prospect with Kiwi Shon-tayne Hape and Aussie Ben Harris around.

"There's a few second-rows who can play centre as well - Chris McKenna and Paul Johnson - but I just want to improve," he said.