BRADFORD Bulls head coach John Kear was full of praise for his young side despite their 26-18 defeat to Hunslet in their second pre-season friendly.

The Bradford boss selected a reserve side for the fixture which fulfilled the agreement of part of the transfer deal that saw George Flanagan depart Hunslet for Odsal in early 2018.

Tries from Vila Halafihi, Josh Tonks, Jordan Andrade and an Anthony Boardman double granted the League One side a victory over a depleted Bulls side.

However, Kear believes the result was irrelevant on a day which allowed him to evaluate the depth of his squad by giving his youngsters a run-out.

He said: “For 25 minutes of the first half and 40 minutes of the second half I was absolutely delighted with what I have seen.

MATCH REPORT: Hunslet 26 Bradford Bulls 18

“The young men are giving me great confidence that they will be snapping on the heels of the first team players. Some will be demanding a run-out in the earlier games this season just to see if they can really hack it week in, week out in the Championship.

“I am not bothered about the result, it is about these young men taking their opportunities and playing in a first team environment against a very good League One team, putting their arm up to say ‘I ought to be considered for a Bradford Bulls first team spot’.”

The experienced head coach was particularly impressed by a certain trio who have knocked on the door for next week’s huge friendly at Leeds Rhinos.

Kear said: “I have learnt that we have got some half-backs who can organise and ask questions. I learnt we have got a great deal of energy and desire to succeed, which are non-negotiables.

“I thought all three half-backs played well. Cobi Green asked questions, Matty Race was good and young Harry (Shackleton) was great as well. All of them ended sets well and built pressure.

“They will be some of these who played today who will certainly be on the bench for Leeds Rhinos, they have justifiably earned it.”

Bulls’ trip to Widnes on Wednesday, April 15 (7.30pm) has been selected for live coverage on the RFL’s Our League app. Games at home to Sheffield Eagles (March 8), away to Batley Bulldogs (March 29) and at home to Leigh Centurions (May 17) will also be live streamed.