JOHN Kear believes the Bulls will reap the benefit of holding back Jordan Lilley.

The influential playmaker made the long trip to Wimbledon for yesterday’s Challenge Cup win over the London Broncos but was not included in the 17.

But now he is poised for a first outing since injuring his knee in pre-season training when Kear’s side host Batley next weekend.

Kear said: “Jordan was very close but the medics said to us if you leave him another week, it will give the injury more time to repair and stand us in better stead for the season.

“Sometimes you’ve got to take it on the chin and take their advice. That’s what we did but he was very, very close and he’ll be even closer next week.”

Elliot Kear was the latest player to be thrown into the halves as cover and the coach was delighted with how the Welsh international adapted to a variety of roles in the 34=8 success.

Kear added: “One of the reasons we brought Elliot Kear to the club was his versatility.

“He played stand-off, center and wing and may well end up in a different position next week. But that’s a really pleasing thing and was another reason to make the long journey worthwhile.

“We had a different prep. We brought them straight off the bus and onto the field and got them moving to get a bit of travel out of the legs.

“I think that worked well because we did start well. We’ve got some things right but there are others that we can still get better.”