BULLS head coach John Kear was full of praise for makeshift half-back Joe Brown, following yesterday’s 54-22 victory against Oldham.

The Bradford winger stepped into the creative role yesterday after Jordan Lilley suffered a rib injury against Batley in the previous round of fixtures.

Brown formed a half-back pairing alongside new man Joe Keyes, and together they were able to break down Oldham’s backline on numerous occasions.

And Kear was delighted with what he saw.

He said: “I was absolutely over the moon with the result and the performance, and the fact that we did it with only one specialist half-back, it makes it even more pleasing.

“I thought Joe Brown was exceptionally good. He fitted into that other half-back position really well, and it proved that the hard work we had done on the training field, really shone through.

“He was very accomplished, playing in a pivotal position and not being a specialist.”

Keyes, who took on the role of partnering Brown, also impressed Bradford’s head coach, after scoring a hat-rick of tries.

He said: “Of course, I was delighted with Joe Keyes, who took the senior half-back role on really well.

“I’ve always thought he was a very good player, and I think he has demonstrated that in the last two games he has played for us.

“Obviously, he isn’t our player, but as long as Hull KR feel that Bradford is the best place for him to play, then he will keep playing for Bradford.

“Joe is happy here, we are happy with him and while he is here, he will certainly feature.”

Kear added: “I’d love to keep hold of him, but that decision is out of my hands, however Tony Smith has been very gracious, very helpful and I’m pretty sure that he will continue to be so.”

Bulls don’t return to action for a fortnight, as they have to wait to face the league’s highflyers Featherstone Rovers on July 25.

And after the Oldham victory, Kear spoke of his management plans for the upcoming week.

He said: “We’ve got two weeks until our next game now, so what we are going to do is, give the players individual reviews from the first half of the season.

“It will give us the chance to sit down with each player for a period of time, to discuss their thoughts and our thoughts on their performances this season.

“It is a time for reflection as we enter the midway point, so that we can kick on and see the season out in a positive manner.”

There was also some slight injury concerns during the Oldham game, as Keyes, David Foggin-Johnston (HIA) and Aaron Murphy (dead leg) were forced off.

However, Kear was quick to state, that the injuries weren’t long-term.

He said: “We will have Sam Hallas back for Featherstone, and we hope to have the three that went off against Oldham back too.

“Keyes and Murphy did pick up bumps, however we took them off for precautionary reasons, as the game was over at that point.

“And Foggin-Johnston failed his HIA, so that is why he couldn’t come back on.”