Rookie Bull James Donaldson is feeling the benefits of his first-ever pre-season – now he just wants to pass his driving test!

The young loose forward is beginning to put on some bulk as he transforms from raw schoolboy into potential Super League star.

Donaldson – just 17 – had been training hard alongside greats like Steve Menzies, Sam Burgess and Paul Deacon and holding his own.

But as well as passing muster with his team-mates, having moved down from Whitehaven he is also keen to get rid of his L plates.

“I’ve been here a few months now and I am a lot more settled in,” said the England Schoolboys international.

“I’m getting to know everyone. I’ve got my driving test coming up in January so hopefully I’ll pass that and that will help me get around!”

And Donaldson is looking for a double celebration in the new year with a possible chance of making his Bradford debut at White-haven on February 1.

Currently back home in Cumbria for Christmas with his family, he said: “Maybe. There’s been more talk of it around Whitehaven than anywhere that I’m playing against my hometown club but I’ve heard nothing myself. I’ll just keep training hard and see what happens.

“I just want to have a big year for Bradford and am really looking forward to it.”

Donaldson is thriving in pre-season and said: “I feel fitter, bigger and a lot stronger already.”