JOHN Kear is having to hold Dane Chisholm back in his rush to be ready for the Bulls.

The Aussie is desperate to make up for lost time after his Odsal return last season was wrecked by a serious injury in his comeback game.

New coach Kear admitted he has had to put the brakes on to make sure Chisholm, who underwent knee reconstruction surgery in June, does not overdo it.

"I pulled him out of training a little last week because I thought he was doing too much for the stage he was at," said Kear.

"I've tried to calm him down a little and tell him it's the season that really matters. The big target for Dane is game one against York.

"It's no good being fully fit and raring to go two weeks early when we haven't got a game. The competitive games in League One are what we're really after."

Chisholm vowed to help the Bulls bounce straight back when he penned a two-year extension to his contract in the wake of their relegation from the Championship.

He has always targeted the campaign opener at York City Knights on February 18 – and Kear would love to have him in rampaging mood for their first test in the third level.

But he won't take any chances and said: "We'll try and nurse and nurture him and make sure he's fit for that.

"At the moment, I couldn't tell you if it's realistic. I will certainly know a lot more when we get to the end of January."

Chisholm rejoined the Bulls mid-season after a convoluted move from Sheffield Eagles. He made a scintillating try-scoring return in the Summer Bash against champions Hull KR – only to suffer a year-ending injury after an hour.

Kear said: "There's no doubt he's a very good rugby league player. You only have to look at his record.

"I remember that game at Blackpool and Dane was absolutely bossing the show until he got injured. He obviously will be very important to everyone.

"But we've got to keep a lid on it and make sure we take the long-term view so that we get the maximum benefit from him over the season."