Danny Brough masterminded a stunning victory on his debut as Wakefield edged past Bradford in an enthralling engage Super League XIII opener at Belle Vue.

The scrum-half joined the Wildcats on a three-year contract after helping Castleford back into Super League with a virtuoso performance in last season's National One grand final demolition of Widnes.

He quickly proved his top-flight pedigree with a commanding display that saw him create tries either side of half-time for Tony Martin and Luke George.

Crucially, Brough also landed four goals to secure the points, but this was a richly-deserved team effort that echoed the Wildcats' blistering start to last season.

Bradford deserve credit too and debutant Paul Sykes' late converted try brought them to within two points of their opponents but John Kear's remodelled side held on for a deserved success.

That the victory was achieved without key stand-off Jamie Rooney - presumably due to injury - made it all the more impressive.

Perhaps most pleasing of all for Kear was the way in which his new faces - Paul Reilly, Brad Drew, Martin and Brough - all made telling contributions.

Former Wakefield favourite Ben Jeffries began on the bench for the visitors and with Paul Deacon and Iestyn Harris dovetailing effectively at half-back, Bradford quickly built up a head of steam.

Terry Newton was an imposing presence at hooker and after Tame Tupou's forward pass sent him clear in the seventh minute, the former Wigan man strode over the line.

Tupou's pass ensured there were to be no celebrations among the visiting players, but after a penalty from Martin put Wakefield ahead, the Bulls produced a delightful score, which this time Newton could celebrate.

It came in the 17th minute and began when the imposing Sam Burgess embarked on a brilliant run down the right flank, which saw him outstrip a clutch of Trinity players.

Great Britain international Burgess, 19, spotted James Evans in support and an astute offload from the wing allowed the onrushing Newton to cross the line with ease.

Deacon added the extras but Wakefield's response was impressive and two tries in three minutes saw them forge ahead in style to lead at the break.

Their first score came in the 24th minute and saw the ball pass through five pairs of hands as Drew, Sam Obst, Martin and Brough combined to send Ryan Atkins scuttling over in the left corner.

A slip at the vital moment from Bulls centre Sykes helped Wakefield on their way to the try-line but there was no doubting the quality of the move.

Shortly before the half-hour mark, Wakefield cut Bradford to pieces again.

After Matt Blaymire's ambitious break down the left was halted, the Wildcats kept the ball alive and excellent hands from Drew and Brett Ferres sent Reilly over.

Martin could not convert either try but Deacon missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time to ensure an interval score of 10-6 in Wakefield's favour.

Brough assumed kicking duties in the 52nd minute, landing a long-range effort to give his side breathing space, and then five minutes later he threw an exquisite long pass out wide for George to cross in the left corner.

Bradford showed character, however, to hit back on the hour mark when Newton sent Michael Platt over but a brilliant breakaway effort from George eight minutes later allowed the wing to claim his second try.

The Bulls hit back again when Newton scuttled under the posts for his second with nine minutes remaining but although Deacon converted, another Brough penalty saw Wakefield home and dry and ensured Sykes' late score - converted by Deacon - ultimately counted for little.