Highly-rated Sam Burgess wants to mark his first anniversary as a Super League player by helping the Bulls end their Leeds Rhinos drought.

It is nearly a year since the rangy prop - then aged just 17 - debuted amid the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Headingley.

The Bulls agonisingly went down 26-24 at the death in a classic encounter, when fans got their first glimpse of the talented teenager.

Fittingly, following a whirlwind 12 months where he has made huge strides, Burgess returns to the scene for the first time since on Friday night.

"It's gone pretty fast and has been really enjoyable," he said.

"It's been a rollercoaster and a big learning curve. I did all right in the first few games. I think Macca had faith in me and I'm glad as that made it easier.

"All the boys have been really helpful too and I remember that night well. It was the biggest crowd I'd ever played in front of and when I ran out of the tunnel for the warm-up it was just so different to anything I'd experienced. I could hardly even hear anyone talking."

Burgess has yet to savour victory over Leeds as the Bulls have lost four on the bounce against their arch-rivals, starting with that defeat last July.

He said: "We've been close all season though and it could have gone either way in both games that Leeds won this time.

"Hopefully we can put things right and get this first win of the year over them on Friday. We know we're capable."

Leeds and Great Britain boss Tony Smith is a fan of Burgess and came close to selecting him for last week's Test match against France.

"It's good to be in contention and have my name banded about but I'm not too disappointed," he added.

"I'm only young and have just started playing. Tony spoke to me and said he didn't think it was the right time to play me, saying he'd be thinking more the end of the season.

"I've set my sights on the World Cup in 2008 and anything before that is a bonus.

"He said he could see me having a career with GB as long as I keep developing but the boys here are making sure I keep my feet on the ground, and I am."

Meanwhile, Burgess, set for his 29th Bulls appearance, reckons the side are well-primed to push on for both the Grand Final and Challenge Cup.

"I think we're going really well," he said.

"There's a bit of confidence about us and as long as we keep doing the little things right, playing for each other as a team, I don't see any reason why not."

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