Bradford Bulls boss John Kear references Dec Patton’s ‘tough few years’

For Dec Patton, it’s always been a case of nearly.

He nearly broke through to make it in the first-team at the Warrington Wolves and then nearly did the same at the Salford Red Devils.

But, it looks as though it will be a move down to the Championship that will kickstart Patton’s career once more – especially given the firm backing by new head coach John Kear.

And, the halfback impressed Kear in his first outing in Bradford colours in the club’s 28-22 defeat to Batley Bulldogs.

“I’m pleased he (Patton) is enjoying himself and I hope he’s fallen in love with rugby again,” Kear told Bulls TV.

“He’s had a tough few years but I think we saw today with a heavy pitch in rain that there were still some elements in there that showed he will be an exciting player for us.”

Patton himself believes he can be the catalyst to send the West Yorkshire side to Super League glory – and he is ready for the challenge amongst a group of players that he cannot speak highly enough of.

“It’s been a good change, I’m very impressed with the setup and how the club is run,” Patton told West Yorkshire Radio Rugby League.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve never met a group of boys like this, they are so down to earth.

“It’s been a tough month getting used to it, especially travelling down that M62 but its been a breath of fresh air.”

Patton revealed just why he chose Bradford after spending seven seasons at the Warrington Wolves – where he made over 100 appearances – and a year at the Salford Red Devils, revealing how feeling ‘wanted’ was the key.

“John Kear was a big factor in the move, he’d been after me a few times in my career and I’d stayed at Warrington, but he’s made me fall back into love with the game.

“It came to a point where I was going to be a squad player for another side but then John came along and he sold Bradford to me.

“It’s nice to be appreciated for once and for what player I can be.”