Elliot Kear began this year running out in front of a few hundred spectators at Batley, Dewsbury and York.

He could end it by lining up for Wales against New Zealand, Australia and England in the Four Nations, with a Wembley appearance thrown in.

The highly-rated wing, 22, became the Bulls’ fifth new signing last week after signing a three-year deal at Odsal.

Kear spent the past few seasons with Welsh outfit Crusaders but it was a loan spell at Hunslet Hawks that gave his career the kick-start it needed.

After being sent out to the Championship outfit by then Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris in February, Kear faced a test of his ability, his character and his desire.

He passed with flying colours.

“I don’t think I’d be here today if it wasn’t for the experience at Hunslet,” said the speedy wing.

“Going on loan there at the start of the season was really beneficial for me because all I had known up until that point was Crusaders.

“I played around three or four Northern Rail Cup games and five in the Championship.

“I played centre, which was out of position for me, but at the same time it brought me on a lot.

“I needed game time and I got that at Hunslet.”

The Welshman won several man-of-the-match awards before returning to Crusaders and producing a number of sparkling displays in Super League, including one at Odsal against the Bulls.

Yet the origins of Kear’s rugby career are rooted in the 15-man code.

Born in Cardiff, Kear grew up in the union heartland of South Wales before fate intervened and persuaded him to switch to league.

“I played rugby union up until the age of 18,” he said.

“I was in sixth form and one of the teachers had previously played rugby league.

“He suggested me and a couple of friends going along to trials for the Wales rugby league side.

“I made the squad and, at the time, Crusaders were just getting up and running.

“They started a Colts squad and we played against the likes of Huddersfield Underbank and Dewsbury Celtic.

“We won that league. I started my first professional season down in Bridgend with Crusaders before the RFL stepped in and we all came up to Wrexham.

“It was a bit of a mad time but I got to meet some great people.”

The Crusaders’ ill-fated stint in Super League came to an end when their financial woes forced them to quit, leaving a host of players searching for a new club.

Kear had an offer from Widnes and also attracted interest from Aviva Premiership outfit London Wasps before opting to join the Bulls.

“Since I started playing rugby league four years ago, I’ve followed Bradford closely,” said Kear.

“I’ve played at Odsal for Crusaders and it’s a massive stadium.

“Everyone at the club has made me very welcome and I’m already looking forward to next season.”

Kear is a big admirer of Wales team-mate Gareth Thomas and St Helens full back Paul Wellens.

“I’ve followed Gareth’s career and used to watch him play for Wales at the Millennium Stadium, so to end up playing alongside him for Crusaders and Wales was surreal,” said Kear.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Wellens because I can also play full back myself and he was one of the players I most admired.”

Kear, meanwhile, reckons there is enough talent within the Odsal ranks to suggest Mick Potter’s men can make a far stronger challenge next season.

He said: “Jamie Langley is a very strong competitor and he always seems to have a very solid game whenever I’ve watched Bradford.

“I knew about Sam and Luke Burgess but I’ve been very impressed with Tom Burgess too.

“He’s a massive guy and has got great go-forward.

“It’s a new scene for me now and I’m looking forward to moving up to Yorkshire.

“I’ll speak to Jarrod Sammut (former Crusaders team-mate) and will sort something out in terms of where I’ll be living.

“The club have said they will help me out on that front too.”

Kear was a member of Wales’ 2010 European Cup-winning team and looks certain to be involved in the forthcoming Four Nations.

Wales play England at Leigh on October 29, New Zealand at Wembley seven days later and face Australia in Wrexham on Sunday, November 13.

Kear added: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“Again, to be coming up against the likes of Benji Marshall, Billy Slater and Darren Lockyer is pretty unreal.”