Not many Bulls players will have a bigger year ahead of them than young centre Sam Wood.

After making his first three senior appearances against Rochdale, Wigan and Huddersfield, his second season as a full-time professional at Bradford will be vital.

But 2014 will be a big year off the field as well and, after recently signing a two-year contract extension, he admitted: “It’s just a massive time for me.

“I’ve got a kid on the way as well, so that gives me something to work for, and I’m just looking to really kick on and get the most out of it.”

For some teenagers, the pressure of having a child would understandably be a daunting one. But not for Wood.

The Halifax-born former Siddal amateur said: “I’m over the moon. I was a bit nervous at first, and the whole situation kind of shook me up a bit, but we both can’t wait for it to happen.

“We’re just planning ahead now and trying to save a lot of money. But there’s quite a way to go yet for me and my girlfriend Hannah.

“It’s a big responsibility and it’ll really help me grow up as a person. I’ve had a lot of support from Chev Walker and Nick Scruton, so I’m just trying to take it all on board.”

Added responsibility is something that Wood has not shied away from in the past.

Last season, he took on the captaincy of the Bulls under-19s and played a key role in the side, winning the coach’s player of the year in the competition.

Despite being classed as a junior player, Wood is open to pass on any information to help his fellow young colleagues in their first pre-season.

“At the minute pre-season seems similar but I think that this year I’ve got a bit of an advantage over Alex Mellor and Nathan Conroy because I know what to expect,” he said.

“They’re coming to me and asking questions about what you do here and how do you manage that on those days, which is good.

“Being a captain last year has helped me and a lot of the younger guys come up to me and ask for advice from time to time.

“I’m happy for anybody to come up to me and I’ll answer any questions that they want.”

Even though fellow young starlets Curtis Naughton and John Bateman have headed for pastures new, Wood has spoken of his delight in committing himself to the Bulls.

“This is the club I want to be at and so there was zero hesitation when it came to re-signing,” he said.

“I think this could be the start of something very special for me and I want nothing more than to succeed as a Bradford Bulls player.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls' directors are inviting all season-ticket holders to a fans’ forum on Wednesday.

The event, starting at 7pm in the Coral Stand at the Provident Stadium, will be the first of the season-ticket holder-only events in preparation for the new season.

The evening will begin with an introduction from the board of directors, followed by an open question and answer session.

Bulls chairman Mark Moore stated: “We have said time and again that we see season-ticket holders as major investors in the club and would like to offer them an exclusive opportunity to speak with the board.”