JACOB Trueman is hoping for more first-team opportunities under Rohan Smith after making his senior debut for the Bulls.

The under-19s star from Queensbury came off the bench in Sunday's 54-8 win over Swinton and combines his playing commitments with studying for a BTEC in sport.

Trueman said: "I was really nervous beforehand but excited too. I had trained with the first team in the week but didn't expect to get picked because I've only played about six games for the under-19s.

"First team is a lot faster but you get used to that over time. I probably need to work on my defence a little bit because I got caught out a few times.

"I'm not sure if I'll be playing for the first team again this week or back with the under-19s. I'll have to see what Rohan says but if he asks me to play, then obviously I will do."

Trueman's under-19s boss Matt Diskin took the decision to the hand the 17-year-old his first-team bow after calling him a player with "unbelievable talent" beforehand.

Former West Bowling amateur Trueman said: "That gives you a confidence boost – but you try not to think about it too much and just get on with it. There are a lot of lads in the under-19s who can make the step up.

"I'm already signed up for next year in the 19s and I'd like to play first team on a full-time contract. That's my aim now."

Trueman might have marked his debut with a try when James Clare broke and had the teenager in support.

The teenager reflected: "I was screaming for the pass but he went the other way. I was pretty gutted about that.

"I had ten family members there on Sunday and we're all Bradford fans, so it was a great experience."

Meanwhile, Leigh have announced the signing of 23-year-old Australian half-back Josh Drinkwater on a contract until the end of the season.

This will be Drinkwater's second spell in England as he was top points scorer for London Broncos in their relegation season of 2014, scoring five tries and kicking 58 goals in 25 appearances.

Drinkwater said: "I am very much looking forward to joining Leigh Centurions. They are an ambitious club and hopefully I can play a part in their endeavour to achieve Super League promotion."