Kear’s bravery for Bulls earns high praise (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Elliot Kear’s bravery for Bradford Bulls earns high praise from Mick Potter

7:40am Saturday 12th May 2012 in Bulls By Ross Heppenstall , Bradford Bulls Reporter

Bulls coach Mick Potter has hailed fit-again winger Elliot Kear following his stylish return to action against London Broncos last weekend.

The Wales international, 23, sustained a badly broken wrist against Warrington on March 3 and was sidelined for nine matches.

But he was back in action during the stirring comeback win at Leyton Orient and played the full 80 minutes at full back.

The close-season signing from Crusaders grew in stature as the game wore on, underlining his class and versatility as first-choice No 1 Brett Kearney battles to shake off an ankle injury.

“Elliot has played a fair bit at full back before, so it wasn’t unusual for him,” said Potter.

“He can play in that position and do well there. He’s busy, he’s lively and he’s also brave. That was the quality that I liked most about Elliot last week at London.

In some tough situations, Elliot (Kear) put his body on the line and came up with some brave plays that other people might have shied away from

Mick Potter

“In some tough situations, he put his body on the line and came up with some brave plays that other people might have shied away from. He was very good in that regard. He came through the game well.”

Potter also feels that scrum half Luke Gale will begin to exert a growing influence on the Bulls following his own return from injury.

Gale missed ten games after damaging ankle ligaments against Wigan in February but has played in the past two matches.

“Luke is still working his way back into the team but I thought he got better as the game went on at London,” said Potter.

“His kicking game is coming along and he’s starting to steer the team around the park.

“Last week was only his second game back and he will be better next week against Salford and better again the week after that.”

Potter is now preparing his men for Friday’s trip to Salford and is urging them to ensure there is no repeat of the sluggish start which allowed London to race 16-0 ahead last weekend.

He said: “As a coach you strive for perfection from your players. I was disappointed with how we started but I was happy with the way they fought back and the grit that they showed.

“They were good fightback qualities but we can’t do that against the better teams in the competition.”