HAVING reached the halfway mark in League One, Mick Gledhill – aka The Game Caller – assesses the performance of the players, coach and fans at Bradford Bulls.

Who is top of the class and who must try harder?

Check out his mid-term report and marks.

JOHN KEAR A

Knew the challenge and task of the rebuilding job at Odsal. Has set a high benchmark for standards, while delivering strong results and emphatic victories. Has learned the intricacies of the club’s hybrid system and has a keen eye for player development from within the academy structure. A strong leader who is always projecting confidence in his team. John Kear is someone with a clear vision of what the club needs to do to turn the promotion dream into reality. Bradford have ticked every box that Kear wanted to ahead of their mid-season progress review meeting. After six months at the helm, he has steered his side to the top of League One.

BULLS SUPPORTERS A*

The loyal fans who once savoured World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup and Grand Final glory have watched their club slip out of Super League and the Championship amid financial meltdown in the last five years.

Despite those painful reminders, in 2018 the support for the club is stronger than ever as the trendsetting and trailblazing Bulls have set numerous League One club attendance records at York, Doncaster, Newcastle and Hemel. Average crowds at Odsal remain around the 3,500 mark, which is greater than two current Super League clubs as fans continue to show up in their numbers and give their side superb backing. The second half of the season will see crucial home fixtures against Doncaster, Newcastle, York and Keighley and those magnificent supporters can have a huge part to play in the club's quest for promotion.

LEE SMITH B

Early performances were unimpressive as he struggled to overcome injury but he has improved markedly in the last two months, scoring five tries and creating more as his experience and leadership qualities have blossomed. Special mention for his left edge partnership with Ethan Ryan that has been very productive. Brings a huge amount of influence to the squad.

ETHAN RYAN A*

The man from the planet Krypton, or should that be the trapeze artist from the circus? Either way, Ethan Ryan has continued to develop as one of the most promising and prolific wingers outside Super League. 'Superman' his way to the line and it shows with 15 tries already in 2018. Has benefited immensely from the experience of Lee Smith and Matt Garside on the left edge. Homegrown and one of the jewels in John Kear’s crown.

ASHLEY GIBSON B

Adds vital experience to John Kear’s young side having played at a higher level for a number of seasons. Along with Lee Smith, has helped steady the ship and will help to pass on that experience to the younger players.

ROSS OAKES C

Impossible to give an honest mark as he’s played so few games in 2018. Will be looking to recapture the form of 2017 in the reserves fixtures, in which we have seen flashes of what Ross is capable of.

DALTON GRANT B

Has shown glimpses of the raw speed that he possesses after recovering from serious injury. Clever and lively footwork has seen the Welsh international cross for 11 tries. Solid in defence. The only member of John Kear’s side with more rail mileage than me, after commuting from London to training at Tong. A clever player with some nice touches. Strong 'bromance' with Dane Chisholm.

JOE KEYES A

There’s a lot of quality throughout the squad, but pivotal to the club’s early season success has been Joe Keyes. His leadership and influence is seen as the lynchpin of the team, as was all too evident in last weekend’s game against Whitehaven. Willing to take the pressure onto his shoulders and make those big-game decisions. Incredibly composed when even in the most pressured of situations. Will be hoping to remain fit for the remainder of the season, building a cohesive partnership in the halves with Dane Chisholm.

DANE CHISHOLM B+

Has showed all the promise of his previous performances for the club after recovering from his debilitating ACL injury. Dane is a natural livewire and the creative spark. Possesses sharp exuberance that have made him far too hot for most League One defences. Wrote himself into the club’s record books after anchoring a commanding performance against the West Wales Raiders. Has displayed faultless goal kicking in the absence of Joe Keyes. Will look to find his most dangerous form in the second half of the season.

LIAM KIRK B-

Has done well when called upon in 2018. Slowly finding his way with a solid finish to the first half of the season. Captain Kirk – as he is known for his heroism shown when playing with a broken nose in the recent reserves victory over Wigan –has learnt so much in such a short space of time. Work ethic is undeniable and has a brilliant future at the club.

SAM HALLAS B

A natural leader and talker on the field. Has really grown into the side in his first full season with the club. A tireless and fearless worker who isn’t afraid to do the hard yards forward while adding a lot to Bradford’s defensive spine. Will be looking for consistency and, with that, Sam will only grow from strength to strength. Has recovered from the disappointment of finding out about Dane and Dalton’s new bromance!

STEVE CROSSLEY A*

Massively influential this season as someone who has added real steel to the front row. A true statesman of the prop forward union, a tremendous leader and operator who displays competitive instincts that seep throughout the side. Crossley is one of those players who is rarely less than good, regularly excellent, and often outstanding.

MATT GARSIDE A

Wonderfully aggressive when either carrying the ball, chasing, harrying or hitting up in defence. Shows his value to the side with his all-round displays. Mr Consistent. Mr Professional. Mr Resilient. Garside has been a revelation since his arrival from the London Broncos.

ELLIOT MINCHELLA A*

His ability to operate in a variety of roles makes him one of the first names on the team sheet. Dangerous with ball in hand or through his terrific support play, Bradford-born Minchella has crossed the line for 22 tries in all competitions. A brilliant and consistent player who is harvesting points as if they’re going out of fashion. Always trying to find ways of building more momentum for his side.

GEORGE MILTON C

Has suffered two serious injuries and has yet to show his best form, but there has been flashes of it in the games he has featured in. Very little George could of done better considering the circumstances.

GREGG MCNALLY C

Looked promising when he has played, especially that fantastic 90-metre try against West Wales. Has been unfortunate to be sidelined through injury. Will look to play a big part in the second half of the season.

CALLUM BUSTIN B+

Incredibly difficult to stop a man of his power when he gets the legs pumping. As solid as could be hoped for, Bustin is remarkably industrious with his thunderous carries and impressive metres made on each drive. General relief among supporters with the news that his shoulder injury was minor and that they should see him back in action against Doncaster.

ROSS PELTIER B+

John Kear’s men are simply more dominant when he’s on the field. His brute force and strong running make him a threat with the ball, and his hard-hitting defence has become relied upon too. Has the ability to shift games with his impact of the bench. Peltier has only missed one game all season to date and is a massive asset for the second half of the season.

GEORGE FLANAGAN B+

Has added immeasurable experience and knowledge of League One to the side. Always willing to put in a full-blooded shift and has improved with each performance. Brings a strong verbal presence as anyone with access to the referee’s microphone will attest. Still has enough lung power to make numerous tackles and come top in the physical battle of the ruck. Unfortunate to be sidelined with his latest injury, but at least he can watch his favourite TV shows Jeremy Kyle, Trisha and the World Cup!

MIKEY WOOD B+

Has made an excellent start to life at Odsal. Full of attitude and impact. Remarkably resilient when it comes to knocks and has been one player to make very few mistakes as his reliability has seen him be a weekly feature in the side. Will be forever remembered as the rugby league artist who painted a try of the month masterpiece against Doncaster. Will continue to improve and impress.

LIAM JOHNSON B-

Another one of the Huddersfield bus players who has enjoyed a strong start to life at Odsal. Always puts in a decent shift in the back row and can mature into one of the most exciting back row prospects at this level. Will be looking to find his early season mojo after falling out of John Kear’s first-team thoughts.

JAMES LAITHWAITE B

Since his arrival on a season-long loan from Toronto Wolfpack, he has looked everything like the ideal hardcore and hardworking forward to boost Bradford’s pack and back row options. It’s no secret that his ability around the field and bite is adding another dimension to the team.

BRANDON PICKERSGILL A

The academy product has been one of Bradford’s big successes this season. Hit the John Kear era running since featuring in the Boxing Day pre-season game and hasn’t lost his place. Infectious and enthusiastic work rate. Has started to find his way to the line in recent weeks. The most improved player of 2018 so far and very few would disagree.

VILA HALAFIHI B+

His third season at Bradford and he has shown improvement beyond all recognition after being given a fresh start. Explosive threat out of dummy half as we saw for his match-winning score against Whitehaven, and an enthusiastic defender. At 24, Halafihi already has significant experience under his belt and will only improve under the guidance of George Flanagan.

ROWAN MILNES C

Has seen limited first-team action but it has been good to see yet another homegrown academy player breakthrough at senior level. Has a lot of potential to be a regular in the coming years.