Stuart Barrow reckons the Bulls’ under-20s are well set for the new season despite suffering a heavy defeat at Keighley Cougars last night.

Put up against a virtually full-strength Cougars side, Bradford’s youngsters put up a fight but were eventually overmatched, falling 46-12.

But under-20s boss Barrow insists it was a lesson they needed to learn.

He said: “It was a harsh test. Keighley are a good side and Barry Eaton’s left a good legacy here. Jason Demetriou’s taken up the mantle and they looked well-coached and well-drilled.

“It was an education for our young boys. It shows them the reality that below Super League the divisions are really tough, skillful and a good level of rugby.

“Playing under-18s rugby doesn’t really get them up to speed for an open-age game like this so hopefully, in the long-term, this will be a good experience for them.”

Meanwhile, Cougars chief Demetriou was left with a smile on his face after his players had taken on the lessons of previous outings.

Criticised for their poor execution in previous friendlies, Keighley clicked into gear at the right time.

“It was exactly what I wanted,” said Demetriou. “I’ve been working on some systems and shapes with the ball in hand over the last few weeks and I had to get tough with the boys this week and say ‘if you don’t stick to the systems you won’t be playing’.

“But what they saw is how much easier it is when they do that. Credit to a very young Bulls team as well, they put it to us and should have scored a few more points.”