Junior signings are currently keeping Bradford's Super League stars off the back page - and Steve McNamara couldn't be happier.

Today's announcement about young hopefuls Tom and George Burgess is the third such story inside a week and there are more to come.

The capture of England under-15s star James Donaldson, the Burgess twins and Tate brothers are all a result of hard and sustained efforts behind the scenes at Grattan Stadium and viewed as crucial in the club's long-term development.

Given the new rulings regards home-grown players - clubs must have eight in their squad by 2011 - the battle to snap up budding stars of the future has become more intense than ever.

Overseas recruits are gradually going to diminish and Super League outfits can no longer afford to ignore British talent.

McNamara said: "The competition for these players is immense.

"Because of the new rule, this is the last year where you can realistically get players coming through to play first team for that 2011 season.

"They may only be under 16 now but in three years time they'll be coming up to 19 years-old and we need them to be ready for Super League.

"We aren't going to get all the top players all the time because the competition is so high but we're really happy with the ones we have and there'll be more announced soon."

The Bulls' youth system has come under fire for a lack of funding and attention in recent years but McNamara insists it has always been his wish to address those faults.

There has been a definite change in direction and he said: "There's a balance and it's about getting it right.

"As head coach you have a football budget to work with and it's up to you how you spend it.

"Sometimes that might detract away from expenditure on junior recruitment. For instance, when I first got here I knew I had to do a lot of work with the top squad.

"Initially that's what I had to concentrate on, then the scholarship scheme and now the Academy and youth structure.

"We did have a little dip a few years ago and lost focus but we're really trying to bring it back now.

"We want to be known as a really strong club not just a strong first team."

Unlike some head coaches, McNamara has been heavily involved in the pursuit of the schoolboy signings, clocking up the miles with player performance manager Paul Medley to watch games, meet players, parents and discuss moves.

He would like to do more of that and said: "Youth development is a real passion of mine.

"I got a chance as a junior player myself and am a big believer in promoting English talent.

"But one of the most frustrating aspects of the head coach job is you can't always do everything yourself.

"You have to employ different people in different areas who take responsibility like Paul Medley has with the juniors.

"He, Mark Robinson and Barry Evans have put in some tremendous work with regards this recruitment, firstly with the actual identifying of the players, secondly, helping nurturing that talent, and thirdly, seeing them signed.

"The chairman and board of directors need recognition too. We've gone to them to explain the situation and the support they have given us in return has been fantastic.

"They have increased our junior budget to accommodate more signings and that has been vital."

Sam Burgess' timely profile boost after his whirlwind rise from Academy player to Great Britain international has been one selling point for the club.

McNamara admitted: "It has helped but a lot of credit must go to the players too. They have made the decision to join our organisation because of the career path we can offer them, the quality of coaching, our environment and the way we're running this club.

"Some have turned down bigger offers elsewhere but the time and effort put in by our staff has proved a factor. Finance will come into it but it should never be the deciding factor."

McNamara finishes: "I might not be the head coach who eventually gets to enjoy the fruits of these signings.

"I hope I am but you can't go around wondering if you're going to be in a job or not years down the line.

"Whatever, it's an exciting time."

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