JOHN Kear says Bradford Bulls’ Coral Challenge Cup upset win over Leeds Rhinos proves his side are on their way back up.

The Bulls head coach says his side created a very special day for the club after booking their quarter-final place with a shock win over their arch rivals.

A bumper crowd of 10,258 erupted at the final hooter as Bulls secured a memorable 24-22 sixth round victory over Leeds.

Kear said this derby win in the first meeting between the two sides since 2014 shows Bulls are on their way back and sends a clear signal to the rest of the sport.

He said: “We have sent a signal that we are coming back, but Super League is the goal.

“The playing group were magnificent.

“All of that group were in Toronto last week, I thought they rested and recovered well to make it a very special day all round.

“They are a young team but a good team. They were under the cosh but found something extra. They are a really good group, very humble.

“I’m delighted for the owner and for the fans, as they have had thin and thinner times recently.

“It was absolutely fantastic in the dressing room afterwards.

“We are in sport for days like today and outcomes like today.

“The players will shake hands in 20 years and remember the Leeds game.

“We were confident we were going to play well. Fortunately, that was enough. We played at eight-and-a-half today.

“It is a very special day for everyone involved and a very big day for this club."

Kear, who famously guided Sheffield Eagles and Hull to Cup final glory, brought the Bulls out of League One last season and they are now two wins away from an unlikely trip to Wembley.

He added: “It’s outstanding. I love this competition. I have loved this competition since I was a kid and I love it even more now.”

Kear added he thought Rhinos were “mentally fragile” after sacking head coach David Furner in the build-up to the derby clash.

Kear said: “I did not know what to expect from them. Sacking a head coach can galvanise or upset people. We just put that out of our minds. I felt they were fragile mentally anyway. “

Kear also had words of praise for two of his young stars who shined in this derby victory.

Jordan Lilley, on loan from Leeds but informed in midweek he would not be getting a new deal at Rhinos, and Rowan Milnes both played key roles in the historic triumph.

Kear said: “It was a good script for Jordan. He was fantastic. His kicking game was really good. He was very brave with the decisions he made with ball in hand.

“Rowan Milnes is Mr Cool. He is not fazed by anything. We have a very special kid on our hands here.

“He took the ball over for kicking and that’s what he’s like.”