Elliot Kear was back in his home city of Cardiff last weekend after playing for the Bulls in Friday’s derby against Leeds.

Bonhomie was everywhere in the Welsh capital as Cardiff City celebrated promotion to the top flight of English football after a 51-year absence.

“The Cardiff team were coming through town in an open-top bus parade,” said Kear.

“The city was heaving and I’m definitely going to have to go down to a game or two next season.”

Such scenes prompted the Wales winger to consider the prospect of the Bulls achieving success as they prepare for tonight’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup fifth-round tie at London Broncos.

“I’ve never had a decent cup run, so it would be great to do that this year at the Bulls,” added Kear, who scored twice in last week’s derby defeat and is on a rich run of form.

“I’m enjoying my rugby league at the moment and Bradford is a really good environment to be in.

“I’m working as hard as I’ve always worked but being given the chance to nail down a position on the right wing.

“I was in and out because of injuries last season but I’ve played in every Super League game so far this year. I’m just trying to do my best every week.”

His performances even led to him being rested by coach Francis Cummins during the thumping win at Rochdale in the previous round.

“I’m glad Franny gave me a rest. It was a chance to rejuvenate,”

admitted Kear, who endured an injury-disrupted campaign at Odsal last year following his arrival from Crusaders.

Karl Pryce and Shaun Ainscough were not awarded new deals at the end of last season but Jamie Foster arrived and Kear has stepped up to the plate.

“I think Mick Potter gave me a fair crack of the whip last year but I was just injured a lot,” said Kear.

“That was why I didn’t get that much game time but Prycey and Ainy still played really well. “Even though there’s me, Foz and Platty (Michael Platt), I’ve been lucky to fill in and stay there.

“I’m pleased with the way I’m going at the moment but I’m playing with some good people next to me.

“Matty Blythe and Purts (Adrian Purtell) are top players and we’ve got a really good right side.”

Kear rubbed shoulders with Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton at school.

The trio were all in the same year at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff and have all gone on the represent Wales – with Bale making his way in football and Warburton captaining the national rugby union team, as well as being named skipper of the British and Irish Lions.

“I get a bit of stick because I say I know Sam and Gareth,” said Kear.

“Sam and I have the same group of friends and if there’s a big get-together back home at Christmas time, he’s always there.

“I text Sam to congratulate him on his progress and he texts me back.

“I’m so happy for him, you kind of knew he was going to go on to great things.

“He was always destined for greatness in school and he’s proved that now.

“It’s the same with Gareth. He was away a lot, playing for Southampton, so we only really saw him in school, but he’s still good friends with the lads I knew.”