Bulls debutant Jason Crookes admits being stunned by the sheer pace of Super League.

The rookie centre, 18, made a surprise bow in Sunday’s loss against Hull FC.

Academy product Crookes came in and started at late notice, with Paul Sykes switching to full back in place of the off-colour Michael Platt.

He showed some promising signs but conceded: “It was really fast.

“I always expected it to be quick but it was still a bit of a shock just how fast it actually was.

“I found out on Saturday morning I’d be playing. Platty had been ill so there was always a chance and I was buzzing when I found out.

“Steve (McNamara) told me I’d been training well, working very hard and deserved the shot “Obviously I’d been wanting this first hit-out for a while, it’s just a shame we couldn’t get the result.”

Bradford are still searching for their first Super League win after picking up only one point from their opening four games.

Such circumstances were always going to make it difficult for the youngster coming into a deflated side.

Crookes was given the runaround by Chris Thorman in the build-up to Hull’s second try and was then left for dead as Kirk Yeaman raced over soon after during an unforgiving baptism.

“I was disappointed with the way I played,” said the England Academy international, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at National League One Widnes last year.

“It was a great experience and everything, my first game in Super League, but I thought I might have done better in defence.

“I’d like to get another shot in Perpignan this week but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Crookes linked up well on a couple of occasions with Aussie legend Steve Menzies, who played just inside him at second-row.

“He’s helped me loads in training and in that match on Sunday,” added the teenager. “It was great to line up with him like that.”