JOHN Kear admits Dane Chisholm’s late absence had an impact in the Bulls’ first Championship defeat.

Their 100 per cent start ended with a disappointing 24-10 loss at unbeaten Sheffield on Friday.

Playmaker Chisholm was pulled out of the side on the morning of the game after his wife gave birth to daughter Nyah overnight.

Rowan Milnes was summoned to partner Jordan Lilley in the halves and had a hand in both tries in the opening quarter of the game.

But Kear felt the late switch had an impact on the team’s preparations.

He said: “Of course, it’s disruptive because we practised with Dane. But the kid’s come in and he’s created two tries.

“He did himself a load of good in the first 20 minutes. But it’s difficult when you’re a young man and your forwards are getting 'mullered' as ours were.

“We’d have preferred an experienced half-back pairing but we didn’t have that and had a young one instead. The result may well be there for all to see.”

Jake Webster was also rested because of the short turn-around after the Swinton game.

They will both come back into the picture for this weekend’s much-anticipated Odsal showdown with York.

Kear said: “We really need to have a look before we try to come up with a 17 for next week because obviously it’s another formidable challenge.

“I was pleased with how we scrambled in defence and worked so hard with our defending. We’ve just not had any ball attacking their line.

“That’s the reason why Sheffield were so comfortable throughout the night. They were able to hammer our middles and take control of the game.

“There are certain things we need to address before York.”