THE signing of Joe Keyes on loan from Hull KR looks even more vital now.

That is because Bulls head coach John Kear has confirmed that promising young half-back Billy Jowitt played around 50 minutes of yesterday's 25-12 defeat to Widnes with a broken arm.

It remains to be seen how long the 20-year-old will be on the sidelines for, but he is set to be missing for a lengthy spell, like his fellow half Danny Brough, who is recovering following surgery on a torn bicep.

Barring injury or Covid protocols, Keyes looks likely to start alongside Jordan Lilley in the halves against Batley at Odsal next week.

Keyes' two-week loan deal means he should be available to face Oldham the following week, and Kear will be hopeful he can stay at the club beyond then.