Lowes believes that a strong academy can lead to strong Bulls in the future

Bradford's new head coach James Lowes shouts out orders onto the pitch

The four-times Super League champions will be relegated if they lose at Huddersfield Giants tomorrow and must, therefore, contemplate playing second-tier rugby for the first time since 1974.

Yet Lowes is adamant the West Yorkshire club have the wherewithal to make a swift return when the inevitable does happen.

They may still be cash-strapped but, nodding towards images at their training ground of past players who have emerged through their ranks including England internationals Sam Burgess, Brett Ferres and Jamie Langley, he knows how the future must look.

“Hopefully we’re going to recreate that Bradford academy in the coming months,” said Lowes, while conceding some experienced professionals are also high on his wish list for 2015.

“We’re not going to lose our academy if we go down; it will stay Super League standard and it will be even stronger next year.

“Bradford had a great system in the past and produced some world-class players. We want to go back to showing the youngsters the proper route through and having a strong academy.

“Strong academies lead to strong clubs.”

Full interview: Page 6.