Highly-rated Bulls teenager Tom Olbison has won his first call-up for their Carnegie Challenge Cup tie with Catalans Dragons.

The talented second-rower, who has only just turned 18, flew out with the senior squad to France earlier today.

England Academy tourist Olbison replaces injured vice-captain Glenn Morrison in the 19-man party and boss Steve McNamara believes it is a much-deserved promotion.

“This is based on Tom’s performances in the last couple of Reserve Grade games,” he said.

“There’s a few of our younger lads all fighting for opportunities and I’m sure some will get them.

“But those recent displays make Tom closer at this moment in time and so he gets his first experience.

“He’s been with the full-time squad since pre-season and has really made a favourable impression – he’s a good trainer, a top athlete and has a lot of good attributes.

“With Morro getting injured, Wayne Godwin out, David Solomona not quite ready and the Tame Tupou situation, there are places available.

“This will be a great experience for him.” East Leeds ARLFC product Olbison still qualifies for the Academy age group but has stepped up to Reserve Grade and was superb against Castleford last weekend.

Although unlikely to make the final cut for Sunday’s fourth-round clash, he will get a valuable taste of match-day preparations.

McNamara – who also gave Elliott Whitehead, 19, similar experience this year – makes no other changes to the squad that lost at The Jungle in Super League.