BRADFORD Bulls captain Lee Smith has hailed Joe Keyes’ match-winning effort against York as John Kear’s men kicked off their Betfred League One 2018 campaign in stunning style.

The stand-off’s penalty conversion in the dying embers of the game secured the spoils for the Bulls, the kick preceded by a crucial intervention at the opposite end by hooker Sam Hallas.

The 22-year-old’s man-of-the-match performance helped orchestrate a memorable victory, with Keyes eight-point haul and try assist for debutant Elliot Minchella proving the difference between the two sides.

"Joe was dominant throughout the game and did extremely well to keep his composure at the death,” said Smith.

“He is a great talent and I cannot wait to see him blossom. He is exciting to play off and I want to build up that partnership with him.”

“As captain, it was immensely pleasing seeing everyone dig in and at the end we were out on our feet but we are extremely delighted with the two points.

“We did not perform to the level we know we can, we are probably still a little out of touch and need to get into our rhythm."

Smith led the visitors out for the first time as captain, and he was quick to hail the impact of the Bulls supporters who made the trip up the A64 to cheer on the boys.

The Bulls players rushed down field to celebrate at the final whistle with the fans who turned up in their droves to contribute to a record 4,281 crowd at Bootham Crescent.

Smith said: “This is why we are in the sport, we play sport to win and you have to celebrate your victories no matter how they come.

“I was pretty blown away by the support from the Bulls faithful, they were probably the one per cent we needed to win that game, so a big shout out to them. They were incredible."

Focus immediately turns to tomorrow’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round fixture as Bulls host the West Wales Raiders.

While acknowledging the difficulty his team-mates will face fighting on two fronts this term, the excitement of the cup is not lost on the class of 2018.

It remains the only trophy that has so far eluded Smith in a glittering career. He is eager to treat Sunday’s opposition with respect, insisting playing with the correct attitude is the only way they can book their name in the draw for the next round.

“We certainly won’t be taking West Wales lightly. In this cup anything can happen and we have got to perform on the day,” he said.

“It will be another tough game. They will have the buzz the competition gives you and we will approach the game with the right attitude and treat it with the respect it deserves.

“Hopefully if we can beat West Wales, who knows we could draw a big team and bring them to Odsal, get the place rocking and give them a good crack.”