Alex Mellor says making just one Super League appearance in 2014 would be “brilliant” but is aiming to reach double figures as he looks to continue his impressive rise to prominence.

The highly-rated back-rower signed a two-year professional contract along with Academy team-mate Nathan Conroy in June.

A month later, he made his first-team debut off the bench in the home defeat to Warrington and then played again in the final-day victory over Huddersfield at the Provident Stadium.

Mellor is now aiming to further establish himself in Francis Cummins’ plans and get more game-time under his belt.

The 19-year-old said: “Even one game next season would be brilliant. I would appreciate that, but it would be great to play five or ten.

“I’ve got to make my goals realistic when you consider the competition for places in my position.

“When you actually get a taste of first-team football, it settles your nerves and gives you the belief that you can do it. It makes you hungry for more.”

Mellor, who hails from Northowram, will aim to stake his claims for regular first-team action following the departure of fellow Academy graduate John Bateman to Wigan.

Mellor said the rapid rise of Batemen through the Bulls’ youth ranks to become a first-team regular was a source of inspiration to his own career.

The imposing back-rower said: “He was a good role model, John, and a good player to have around the dressing room.

“With him being only a year above me, he knew his way around the club and helped me when I joined the first-team set-up.

“With John leaving, it opens up a spot but it’s not just about losing a mate because we’ve lost a great player too.

“I hope he has a great career at Wigan but now that door has opened, I’ve got to step through it. There is a chance there now and I’ll give it my best shot.”

Nevertheless, Mellor accepts the competition for places in the back row will be as fierce as ever next term, with new recruits Frank Winterstein and Dale Ferguson set to be pushing for regular roles.

Mellor added: “It’s healthy competition because it keeps you striving to be a better player, so even if you’re not playing regularly then you’re still improving and wanting to be better to try and get that spot.”

Mellor and Conroy both recently turned out for England Academy in their two Test match wins over Wales in Cardiff.

“Nathan had two really good games and I had 60 minutes in both,” added Mellor.

“I enjoyed it and got man-of-the-match in the second game. It has set me up nicely for pre-season.”