Player performance manager Stuart Barrow hailed ‘exceptional’ Kyle Briggs after the lively stand-off made an impressive start to his Bulls career.

Signed from Featherstone less than two weeks ago, Briggs has spent much of that time getting to know his new team-mates at their Lanzarote training camp.

But the 23-year-old already appeared to be a part of the furniture throughout an encouraging debut, as he played a key role in Bradford’s 46-12 win at Dewsbury.

Briggs’ boot took centre stage, the former Leeds academy star completing three 40-20 kicks – three times the amount his new team managed throughout the entire 2010 season.

“Kyle was brought into the club for his ability with the ball in hand but we also knew about his kicking game,” said Barrow, who was given the chance to lead a side containing many of his under-20s squad by boss Mick Potter.

“He showed that and got three 40-20s. He hits the ball sweetly and it helps to relieve pressure. He had an exceptional debut and linked up well with the rest of the team.”

The partnership struck up by Briggs and Cain Southernwood at half-back stole the limelight from highly-anticipated debuts for Olivier Elima and Matt Diskin, although the former Leeds Rhinos hooker did mark his first game with a try.

Callum Windley and Lewis Reed also caught the eye and Barrow believes it bodes well for the present and future of the club.

He said: “Callum was the academy’s most improved player last year and he’s continuing that progression.

“When he came on he didn’t look out of place at all and looked lively around the ruck area.

“Cain got the man of the match award and in the second half he and Briggsy looked really good as a partnership. He looks really good when he takes the line on but he just needs to do that a bit more.

“There were some really positive signs, especially for me as the under-20s coach. The majority of the second half was with the under-20s players.

“I was pleased with the performances. I thought Lewis Reed at prop ran the ball back very strongly and supported on a few plays.

“It was a real good thing for the club. Some first-team players got another run-out, the combinations worked with Cain and Briggsy and the under-20s went well against quality opposition.”