Kear keeping feet firmly on the ground
CAUTIOUS BOSS John Kear is refusing to discuss the middle-eights until Batley Bulldogs' place is confirmed.
Kear’s part-time side will secure a place in the First Utility Qualifiers if they avoid defeat in their final game of the regular Kingstone Press Championship season at Swinton Lions on Sunday.
Bulldogs are third following a 31-20 home win over second-placed London Broncos two days ago and Kear said: “They played very well, I was really pleased with them.
“They have given themselves a great opportunity, but it is my job to keep them focused and their feet on the floor.
“Should we make it, we will discuss it then – and if not, we will discuss what we need to do in the bottom-eight.”
Kear, whose side came through with no major injuries, was happy with the way Bulldogs responded against London, after being thrashed 34-6 by Featherstone Rovers a week earlier.
“London are a good team and they came with a good attitude,” he said. “I don’t think they were off the ball, I thought we were very good.
“The pressure was on against Featherstone and they looked like a team who couldn’t play pressure rugby league. [On Sunday] they looked very much at home in a pressure situation and it is a matter of replicating that in the final game of the regular season.”