Rugby League’s Elliot Kear Plays in Blues A Game

Despite not initially being named in the Cardiff Blues ‘A’ squad to face the Ospreys ‘A’ on Monday night, the Welsh Rugby League International played around 60 minutes on the wing for the Arms Park region.

It’s long been rumoured that Cardiff-born Kear was in talks with the Blues, but until Monday night there has been little evidence. In fact, earlier this month Kear was named in Wales’ European Championships squad, however, he was not included in match day team which faced Scotland last week.

Blues boss Mark Hammett has already made one new signing, Argentinian winger Lucas Amorosino, since his arrival and has publically stated that more will follow. That followed the news that the Kiwi had told a number of fringe players they are free to leave. One of those thought to have been given the bad news is winger George Watkins, and it would appear that Amorosino and Kear are the men to replace him.

There has been nothing official regarding Elliot Kear, who has most recently been contracted with the Bradford Bulls, and given he wasn’t even named on the team sheet ahead of the game, it would certainly indicate that there is nothing concrete as yet.

That said, having scored 21 tries in 94 appearances for the Bulls – most of which at full back – you can see why Hammett is interested.

The Cardiff Blues A team lost an entertaining game 24-15 to an Ospreys team featuring Richard Fussell, Cai Griffiths, Tom Habberfield and Hano Dirksen. The home side put out a battling defensive display, frustrating the Ospreys for large patches, however the visitors took control during a second half full of substitutions. They were awarded a penalty try for their scrum dominance and were deserved winners, with the scoreline fairly reflecting the home side’s efforts.

Despite a good team performance, it was difficult to name many stand out individuals for the Blues. Half backs Mike Hale and Will Thomas looked creative and played their part in a high-tempo first half, with Rory watts-Jones also showing up before a nasty collision forced him from the field with suspected concussion. Though quiet, winger Harrys Davies looks big, strong and fast enough to make the step up if required also.

Fans can watch highlights from the Ospreys’ web site here - http://www.ospreysrugby.com/News/Article/36801