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Kear hails Bradford’s young players

John Kear has praised his side’s youngsters after a number of them featured in Bradford’s 6-4 friendly victory over York on Sunday.

The departure of several experienced players from the Bulls in the off-season has pushed a number of young players nearer the first team.

Speaking to the assembled press, Kear admitted their performances in pre-season have given him a decision to make.

“I have been impressed with all our youngsters,” he said. “I am unsure whether some of them have done enough to start against London, but they have consistently done well in this pre-season.

“We will have to make sure we pick a team that really represents effort, application and desire in training and in practice games for when we play London.”

Their opening game against the Broncos comes after a long pre-season, which included a disappointing 25-12 defeat against fellow tenants Dewsbury Rams.

Bradford also played a pre-season game against Leeds Rhinos. Credit: News Images
Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

However their response against York on Sunday excited the Welsh boss, who is preparing for his third year in charge of the four-time Super League champions.

“It was a real flip to last week,” Kear said after the game. “We asked for a pretty positive reaction for the players regarding their effort, application and desire.

“We certainly got that in both halves as it was a really tough, tight game, which is what we expect from York.

“We stuck toe-to-toe with them and scored that breakaway try which edged us ahead at half-time.

“For the young men to go out into the second half, I thought they were first class.

“Some of the last-ditch defensive efforts were fantastic. It has been a really heartening day, not just from a first-team perspective but also from an academy point of view too.”

Bradford Bulls begin their Betfred Championship campaign this Sunday when they take on the London Broncos at the Tetley’s stadium, kicking off at 3pm.

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