JOHN Kear insists only a disciplined and professional performance against Underbank Rangers on Sunday will see his Bradford Bulls side book a fifth-round berth in the Coral Challenge Cup.

Kear’s outfit are preparing for their first cup fixture of the new year, following their heroics in 2019, which saw them involved in a giant-killing against Leeds Rhinos.

The National Conference League outfit, coached by Richard Knight, earned their trip to the Tetley’s Stadium with a stunning 30-8 victory over West Wales Raiders last time out.

The Bradford boss is confident his players will not be complacent, in order to avoid a similar fate to the one suffered by Richard Agar’s Rhinos last year.

“They are a good team. We have had a good, in-depth look at them in their game against West Wales Raiders and they were comprehensive victors against a professional team,” said Kear.

“We have to be up for it if we want to get the win and get into the next round. We have done our preparation and hopefully the players can take it on board and close down their threats and exploit what we perceive to be a couple of weaknesses.

“It is [David vs Goliath], it is the opposite of last year, where we are in Leeds’ shoes and Underbank are playing Bradford’s role, so what we have to be is respectful of the opposition.

“That is reflected in the side we are putting out, we are naming a very strong team to respect Underbank and the competition and one we hope will pull through with the victory.

“We will have to be very disciplined and very professional in our approach and it would be nice to see the Tetley’s Stadium packed full of supporters for both clubs.”

Kear also reserved a special mention for George Flanagan, who if selected, will make his 200th career appearance this weekend.

The hooker looks set to return from a lengthy ban but the Bradford boss believes the club were right to stand by the Bradford-born star, who he feels should be proud of his imminent milestone.

“It will be a very special occasion for George if selected and it is a milestone he can be rightly be very proud of,” said Kear.

“He deserves standing by. When you get a team, you have to get a mix and hopefully come out with a good dynamic and George is very important.

“The other players love him and he sets a really good marker with his enthusiasm and desire to win. Hopefully he can contribute to the occasion with a really good solid performance.”