Elliott Whitehead reckons Mick Potter can help his game hit new heights.

After just six weeks working with the Bulls’ new boss, the young second-rower is already seeing results.

A near ever-present last season, appearing in all but one of 30 first-team games, Whitehead is confident of building on his breakthrough campaign in 2011.

The 21-year-old said: “Working with Mick has been a lot better than I even expected. I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the last month.

“He speaks to you a lot and he’s always watching, so if he sees you doing something wrong he’ll have a word and tell you what you need to do different.

“He has his eye on you all the time, so you can’t afford to drop off.”

Touted as a future Test star after a string of impressive early-season performances, Whitehead tailed off slightly in the second half of the year as the rigours of Super League took their toll.

But the former West Bowling amateur has spent the off-season working hard to ensure that does not happen again.

Long hours in the gym have paid off, earning Whitehead praise from team-mates and coaches alike.

He said: “It’s going well. I feel a lot stronger than I did last year, with the weights and the training I’ve been doing, and I’ve put on a bit of size. I’ve put on another 5kg, so I’m getting there now.

“I’ve learned a lot. Last year I didn’t expect to play as much as I did but I feel like I’ve matured from last year and I’m more comfortable around the place.

“Last year I felt like I was one of the younger ones but I feel older now; more part of the team.”

Still, Whitehead knows he will not be guaranteed a place in Potter’s new-look side.

The addition of Olivier Elima, Ian Sibbit and Chev Walker, among others, means the pressure is on to earn a second-row spot during the Bulls’ upcoming friendlies.

Whitehead said: “Everyone’s settled in fine, so it’s looking good at the moment. They’re all good lads.

“We’ve all got to work hard and prove to Mick that we want to play and deserve that spot in the starting line-up.

“Last year we didn’t really have the numbers but we do now, so everyone will want to play well in the friendlies.”