JOHN Kear believes the Bulls are striking the perfect blend for next year after nailing down Joe Brown on a new contract.

The versatile 21-year-old has become the latest player to commit their future to the club for 2021.

The likes of Brandon Pickersgill and Sam Hallas have already put pen-to-paper to remain with a squad that will also include Super League veteran Danny Brough.

Kear can see all the pieces coming together as he looks to build the right balance of experience and youth for a serious promotion push from the Championship.

He said: “We are delighted Joe has signed for another year – he is another young man with his best years in front of him.

“He covers all the positions from one to six so his utility value is great and he has a good character which is important to what we are trying to build at the club.

“From the squad we are building we are looking at recruiting very experienced players who can help get us into Super League which is our ultimate goal.

“The others are younger players who we feel will adapt and become Super League level and I am pleased with how the squad is shaping up so far.”

Brown, a product of the Bulls academy, returned to the club from Wigan last year.

He had played all four of the Championship games this season, impressing Kear in the centres and on the wing.

While frustrated by the current situation, Brown is keen to kick on next year.

The 21-year-old said: “It is a bit of a dull situation not being able to play, so for the club to offer me another deal is a real positive.

“It has been a frustrating 18 months personally not playing much due to injury and then the suspension as John had been working really hard with me over pre-season to show me what he wants from me.

“I want to hit the ground running when we get back onto the field and have a big year in 2021 to repay John and the club’s faith.”

The Bulls will find out in a fortnight’s time if the autumn competition suggested by the RFL to replace the league season is likely to go ahead.

Clubs have until the middle of August to say if they want to take part. Keighley Cougars are among the growing number that have already indicated they will be “standing down” for the year.

Kear’s disappointment at seeing the Championship stopped has been softened by the prospect of playing some rugby in a tournament he will be aiming to win. The RFL plan to stage the competition, which has £250,000 prize money, if at least eight teams enter.

Brown believes the quality is rising within the ranks and is excited by the squad’s potential.

“John has put a really good squad together that has bought into what he believes in,” he added.

“Some of the lads, like me, were here when the club hit rock bottom so to see how they developed has been really positive.

“John is building something special and we all want to be a part of it – this is the best situation the club’s been in since I have been at the club.

“The fans are huge for us and they really do give us that extra push when we need it. We need them again in 2021 because it will be a massive year.”