JOE Keyes is in his best shape ever as he plots the Bulls attempt to land a first Championship blow on 1895 Cup winners Featherstone.

The half-back has become a pivotal figure on his loan return to Odsal from Hull KR.

Assistant coach Mark Dunning has been impressed with the way Keyes has made himself at home at his old club as he fills the big hole left by the injuries to Danny Brough and Jordan Lilley.

And as the Bulls prepare for their third crack at Fev tomorrow, Dunning knows their talisman is hungry to lead them to a crucial victory after his move was extended by another month.

“Joe has slotted straight back in as if he’s not been away,” he said.

“He’s come back in with a point to prove and he’s committed to the cause. It’s great to see.

“He’s worked really hard with the medical staff at Hull KR and the Joe Keyes we see now looks as fit and healthy as he’s ever done.”

Keyes bagged 30 points in the win over Oldham before the free weekend and the Bulls will be banking on another influential display if they are to topple the in-form Wembley winners.

Dunning added: “Joe is a very intelligent player. He’s got different attributes but he’s a student of the game and it didn’t take too much altering with how he plays at Hull Kingston Rovers.

“We just had to tweak a few things. We worked really hard with the people who didn’t know Joe and I can’t give him enough credit for his attitude and the way he’s applied himself.”

Featherstone have put 85 points on the Bulls in their two previous meetings this year and arrive at Odsal on the back of last week’s 41-34 win over York.

Dunning said: “Anybody that watched the 1895 Cup final will have seen the attacking prowess of Featherstone. They are a quality team.

We’ve had a look at that and still remember the last two outings we had against them. But we’ve also identified some areas where we think we can get at them.

“The boys are well up for the challenge – and we know what a challenge it will be.

“We were happy with 60 minutes of our performance at Oldham. The challenge for the players and John (Kear) and myself is to try to make that into the full 80.”

The Bulls are still well on course for a top-six finish and the play-off goal as they head into another critical month.

“It’s the boring old adage of taking each game as it comes,” said Dunning. “But we are well aware that the next three or four are very, very tricky.

“Featherstone, Halifax, then we welcome Sheffield and have the long travel up to Newcastle.

“We’ve got a block of four games that we know will be challenging. But we also know that come the end of those, we could have gone a long way towards cementing our play-off place.

“I’m sure it will be a great atmosphere. We’re very proud of our fans and Featherstone will bring their travelling army.

“Hopefully we can put on a game that befits that.”