BULLS’ interim head coach Lee Greenwood insists any academy products in his matchday squads have to earn their place on merit.

Bradford had four homegrown talents in the 17 that beat Swinton last Sunday, and the club place great importance on ‘their own’, with schemes like ‘NextGen’ to help boost the academy following it being awarded a four-year elite licence in May.

But asked ahead of Sunday's game against Featherstone if it was important to he and Brian Noble to make use of those who have come through the ranks at Odsal, Greenwood said: “It’s not really factored into our thinking, those academy boys.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Homegrown talent Billy Jowitt has shown flashes of brilliance for Bulls this season.Homegrown talent Billy Jowitt has shown flashes of brilliance for Bulls this season. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“It’s always on what we see in training, and what those players will players will bring to the team.

“With the club having a scholarship and academy, we have lots of lads in the building and they can filter in at different times.

“We’re never going to get a team full of Bradford lads, but we always pride ourselves on bringing them through.

“If they’re in the first team, it’s because they’ve earned it on merit.”

At the other end of the age scale, 32-year-old centre Joe Arundel has just signed a new one-year deal with Bulls, having also proved key in the back row over the last few weeks.

Greenwood said: “We’ve needed him in there with us being down on bodies.

“Bodene Thompson left in mid-season, while Chester Butler and Brad England have been out.

“Joe’s got the attributes needed to be a quality back-rower at this level, but it’s difficult as he’s played at centre for years.

“It’s a lot harder to go into the back row if you’ve not had a pre-season in the role, but you often see centres move into the back row later in their careers.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Joe Arundel has primarily played at centre this season, but has also proved his worth in the back row of late.Joe Arundel has primarily played at centre this season, but has also proved his worth in the back row of late. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“Fitness can catch you out though if you’re not used to it, and Joe has maybe felt fatigued towards the end of the last few games.”

Greenwood added: “If Joe had a full pre-season in there ahead of 2024, he’d be more than capable of playing back row next season, but he’s already shown his importance for us in that position and at centre this year.

“It depends on what (incoming boss) Eamon O’Carroll sees him as, but he could be a back row starter next year.

“Either way, he covers positions well and he’s a good addition for 2024.”