JOE Brown is hoping to give John Kear a selection headache after making his Championship debut for Bulls.

The youngster played at full back in Bradford’s 25-24 loss at York, his only other appearance at senior level for Bulls coming in the defeat to Barrow in the 1895 Cup.

Brown, who returned to Odsal in May from Wigan Warriors having come through the ranks as a Bull, got the nod at York after Brandon Pickersgill withdrew with a dead leg.

Pickersgill is likely to be back in contention for Sunday’s visit from League Leaders Shield winners Toronto, and Brown believes competition for the shirt can only be a good thing.

He said: “Ever since I came there has always been healthy competition between me and ‘Pick’ and that is how it should be.

“When Pick isn’t injured John will have a headache but it is a good position to be in. Me and Pick will keep fighting for that full back shirt.”

Defeat at Bootham Crescent has left Bulls with an uphill task to make the top-five play-offs but Brown (pictured) remains optimistic they can qualify with five games still to go.

He said: “It was bitterly disappointing not to get the points but we cannot dwell on it as we have a massive game against Toronto. We can take loads of positives from the York game and I thought we did play really well.

"It's probably not an ideal position to have to rely on other teams but if we can take 10 points we can put ourselves in the best position."

Brown is under no illusions how difficult it will be to beat Toronto, who have won 21 out of 22 league games, but he is up for the challenge.

He said: "We know Toronto have won the league and we understand their threats. Brian McDermott has done a great job there this year, they are the team to beat and we have to be on our game.

"They are the games you want to play in, coming up against players you grew up watching. You want to challenge yourself. It can only be good for a young lad so it would be a good test for me if I get the nod."

Brown, who has featured for England Academy and was part of the Warriors’ Under-19s Academy success last year, is delighted to be back at Odsal where it all began.

He said: "I've really enjoyed being back. Being around the environment means a lot to me. It's great to be back and to pull on the shirt was a proud moment for me and the family. If I can have more I will be really happy.

"The club prides itself upon young lads coming through. It is a well run structure and will only get stronger with the reserves competition coming in.

"There are more and more young lads coming through which can only be good for the club."