Last Updated: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:48
Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara has hailed Elliott Whitehead after the youngster signed a new deal at Odsal.
The 19-year-old only made his Super League debut in June but his performances have prompted the Bulls management to tie him to the club until 2011.
Speaking of the young second rower McNamara said: "Elliott really deserves this.
"He's a smart footballer, both offensively and defensively, who knows how we want to play the game.
"He has some fantastic skills, a great off-load and I'm sure he'll be a real force to reckon with as his career progresses."
Whitehead was understandably delighted with the new contract and the improvement he has made already this season.
He said: "I feel like I've gone well this year. The club's been good to me and I reckon I've progressed as a player as well as an individual.
"Hopefully I've shown what I'm capable of and I hope I can get some more chances before the end of the season."