BULLS head coach John Kear was full of praise for stand-off Dec Patton after his scintillating display in the 42-18 pre-season win over Hull at Odsal yesterday.

Patton made all six of his conversion attempts, including two from tight to the left touchline, and his kicking from the hand impressed too, as he continually pinned the visitors deep into their own territory.

Add that to some eye-catching passes, and Kear could be mightily impressed with what he saw from the former Warrington man.

The Bulls head coach said: "He's a very clever and insightful player, and it's really enjoyable working with him.

"He's been at a quality club in Warrington and got a considerable amount of first-team football there.

"It's great to draw on that experience, for the other players, and for us as coaching staff.

"I think he's enjoying it here, I'm certainly enjoying him being part of our club, and it's boding well for the future."

Bulls looked a bit of a soft touch in their pre-season friendlies last year, but the same accusation could not be levelled at the players yesterday, with a young Hull side on the end of some ferocious but fair tackles.

Praising the intensity his players showed yesterday, Kear said: "I was speaking to (second row) Aaron Murphy after the game, and he said we're a million miles in front of where we were at this point last year.

"He's absolutely right, and when a senior player feels that, it reassures you that you might be on the way to a pretty good season.

"It gives you confidence, but it's a trial game, and it doesn't matter what the scoreboard says, it's what the performance says.

"And I would say, really, we were a seven or a seven and a half out of 10 out there."

Hull's side was littered with teenagers yesterday, with a few first-teamers like Bradley Fash, Jordan Johnstone, Cameron Scott and Liligiifo Sao also making an appearance.

Asked if that in any way put a dampener on Bulls' big win, Kear laughed: "I challenge you to go out there against Liligiifo Sao, Brad Fash and Jordan Johnstone, because believe you me, those guys take some stopping."

He added: "It was generally a young side, but we knew it was going to be.

"I think Hull and their youngsters will have got a great deal out of it, and so have we, which is the reason for the exercise.

"Injury-wise too, there are bumps and bruises but there are no major issues, so we can safely say that it was a very good exercise."

Kear confirmed that hooker George Flanagan was absent from yesterday's Bulls squad with a Covid issue, while full-back Elliot Hall injured his hamstring on Saturday during the team run.

The Bulls head coach said he is not hopeful on Hall's chances of returning for the Leeds friendly this coming Sunday, but whether the issue keeps him out for any longer than that remains to be seen.