JOHN Kear saluted the Bulls’ win over Leigh as his best at the Odsal helm.

The coach was raving about his side’s performance in yesterday’s 26-12 victory – and praised their mental strength for riding the injury blows up to now.

“You could look at the results and the injury list and have a ready-made excuse,” he said. “But they haven’t done that.

“Not once have they come into work and been down or doubting themselves.

“We know we’re a good team and we’re going to develop into a very good team over the course of this year. The signs are there for all to see.

“They looked to be enjoying the occasion. It’s really good to see.

“I think that’s the best win since I’ve been here.”

Rowan Milnes returned from five weeks out with a knee injury and Kear felt having a recognised half-back made a “massive” difference.

The Bulls coach added: “He just played in a controlled, composed manner and created the first two tries.

“As much as Elliot (Minchella) has done a great job filling in there, you could tell we had two guys who are used to playing half-back.

“The physio said Rowan was injury-free but didn’t feel he was right conditioning-wise to play.

“The physio did a great job in getting him injury-free but I think we were right to play him.

“I’m delighted for the players and for young Rohan and Matty Storton, who caused all sorts of problems down that left edge.

“You can only put the team out you can select from. Everybody played their part in the end and I include Ash Gibson.

“He played in the reserves on Wednesday and because of his performance got a spot on the bench. I thought he was magnificent as well, forcing a couple of errors because he’s a clever reader in defence and Rhys Evans certainly profited from that.

“That’s why I was probably so emotional at the end. It’s good when you see people you care about doing it tough and coming through the other side.”

Ethan Ryan was moved to full back in place of Brandon Pickersgill – and still came up with his sixth try of the season.

“The players know the reasons why there was a change in our back three and you could see that it worked,” said Kear. “I think the result justified the decisions.

“We were a bit nervous because of recent results and I think you could see that. But we grew into the game and I felt more and more confident.

“We’ve had a good day at the office and I’m absolutely delighted for the players.”