Iestyn Harris believes the international exploits of Craig Kopczak and Elliot Kear bode well for Bradford as the duo prepare to face the might of Australia tomorrow.

Having enjoyed an outstanding campaign, landing the Bulls’ player of the year award, homegrown prop Kopczak has carried his form into the Gillette Four Nations.

The former Dudley Hill amateur, 24, was one of Wales’ most impressive performers in their first two matches against England and New Zealand.

He will line up against the Kangaroos at Wrexham tomorrow evening after being given a formal caution for the tackle that broke prop Sam McKendry’s jaw during last Saturday’s 36-0 loss to New Zealand.

Kopczak escaped a one-match ban by successfully challenging a charge of making a dangerous shoulder charge at an international disciplinary committee hearing in Leeds on Tuesday night.

McKendry was taken to hospital immediately after the 54th-minute incident and underwent a complicated surgical procedure that day.

Yet Wales coach and former Bulls stand-off Harris told the T&A: “We were pretty confident that there was nothing in the challenge and felt sure Craig would be cleared to play.

“We’re obviously delighted to have him available to face Australia as he has done superbly well for us in the first two games.

“His leadership qualities in the pack have really come to the fore during the tournament and he can be proud of his performances.

“I played with Craig at Bradford and he was only young but his ability was clear.

“He has grown in maturity as a front-row forward; a player who was previously seen as a prop coming off the bench but is now a main starter.

“He can take great pride in his displays for Wales and it’s up to Craig to progress further again with Bradford next year, which I’m sure he will do.

“His experiences of playing against such high-quality opposition during the Four Nations can only help his game to develop.”

Kopczak’s new Bulls team-mate Kear will also face Australia as he looks to continue his own rise to prominence.

The new recruit from Crusaders scored a try against England and earned more plaudits for his display against the Kiwis at Wembley.

Harris added: “Elliot is still very young as a rugby league player and has only been playing the game for around three years.

“But you watch him play and you wouldn’t know it because he’s genetically gifted and quick, strong and athletic.

“His game is really coming along week on week and he’s working really hard, although he’s a long way from the finished article.

“He’s got himself a three-year contract at Bradford and I’ve no doubts that he will prove a success there.”