JORDAN Lilley is set for another turn at hooker down the final straight of the Bulls’ promotion race.

The on-loan Leeds Rhino was given an unexpected stint in the rake role during last week’s impressive win at North Wales.

Lilley’s switch to back up Sam Hallas allowed John Kear to accommodate him with established half-back pairing Joe Keyes and Dane Chisholm at the same time.

And the Bulls coach has not ruled out the possibility of revisiting the tactic during the crucial final five games of the League One campaign.

Kear said: “It was something we had spoken about at length.

“It was always in the back of my mind to play him there and I personally felt it went very well.

“I know Jordan enjoyed it, so it may well be something that we’ll repeat – if not this Sunday, then certainly in the near future. It’s good to have another string to the bow.”

Kear insists there is no score to settle with Workington after the Cumbrians inflicted their first league loss back in April at Derwent Park.

The stakes are high for both clubs as Leon Pryce’s side look to secure their spot in the play-offs.

Kear added: “It isn’t about revenge or anything. It was four months ago.

“I just look at it as an absolutely vital two points for both us and Workington, because they are looking to get into third or fourth spot.

“Obviously they will be targeting third because that would give them a home game in the play-offs.

“It’s a pretty simple game that they play. The big men go at you and roll you and Sean Penkywicz plays off the back of them with two good running half backs.

“You know what they are going to do – but knowing and stopping it are two different things and we’re all going to be challenged.”

Penkywicz was rested from last week’s win against Coventry as Pryce looks for two big shifts from the veteran against the Bulls and then York the other side of the Challenge Cup final break.

With the tight battle to finish in the play-offs, Workington are preparing for knock-out mode – but Kear says that is the challenge his side have tackled from the start.

“We’ve been playing play-off games since round one so I’ve no sympathy with regard to that,” he said.

“We’ve had the target on our heads since the start and we’ve managed to adapt to it and handled it pretty well.”