JOHN Kear has voiced his concern about the situation with Joe Keyes on the eve of the new Bulls season.

The Ireland international has featured only twice in pre-season – and had to come off early both times with a back problem.

Keyes sat out the weekend win at Batley as the Bulls try to get to the bottom of a concern that first popped up last season.

Kear admitted: “It is an issue for me. Joe has played two trial games and hasn’t finished one yet.

“We’ve had him at the chiropractor and he’s got another couple of appointments to try and rectify the problem. But it is a worry, no doubt about that.

“You can’t have a half-back who you’re worried can’t last a game.

“All things can happen during a game which might stop him doing that. But these haven’t been collision injuries, his back has just gone into spasm at certain stages.”

The cause of the problem remains a frustrating mystery – and something that the Bulls are keen to sort to get an influential player back on the field for their Championship campaign.

“There were a couple of instances with Joe last year,” added Kear. “So, whether it’s his posture or he needs to do certain strengthening exercises, we don’t know.

“But we obviously need to get to the bottom of it.

“There are so many variables with a back, not only with the skeletal structure but also the muscular one as well.

“He’s a very good player but you can’t send him out there if you’re then thinking whether he will last the game.”

The fight for starting spots among the pivots is fierce with Dane Chisholm and Jordan Lilley being challenged by the form of youngster Rowan Milnes. New recruit Matty Wildie also had a stint there when Keyes went off.

Kear said: “Joe is obviously really upset. He knows, as everybody is aware, we’ve got Chisholm, Lilley and Milnes – and Wildie made a pretty good fist of it when he moved there against Dewsbury.

“The competition for places is hot and if you’re not putting your best foot forward for whatever reason, whether it’s injury or not, it obviously affects my thinking.”

The Bulls are also monitoring the condition of Ashley Gibson and Elliot Minchella, who both picked up injuries in Sunday’s Yorkshire Cup win at Batley.