JOHN KEAR has predicted as "sensational atmosphere" at Bootham Crescent on Sunday - and reckons the travelling Bradford Bulls army can turn the tables on the home team.

About 1,500 away fans are expected to arrive in York as the curtain comes up for Kear's reign at the fallen West Yorkshire giants as he looks to lift them back to the big time.

The veteran coach believes such support can make it a "home game" on the road for the Bulls - although the Minster city support may have something to say about that.

Kear said: "It's a fantastic following. I know it's the first game of the season, so everybody's enthusiastic and anticipating great things, but that's a fair effort.

"You see Super League games where the opposition don't take 1,500 people. It's a massive compliment to the fans of the Bulls and to the club itself.

"I went to watch York play Hunslet in their pre-season game at home.

"One reason was obviously to have a good look at the players. But the other was to gauge the pitch size and surface and the proximity of the stands and terracing to the playing surface.

"It's very close indeed. The atmosphere will be sensational. I'm sure those 1,500-plus Bulls fans will make it feel like a home game for us.

"It is a very different feel. It's a bit like Castleford with how close it is. At Castleford, it can be a very intimidating atmosphere.

"I'd like it to be intimidating on Sunday but with our fans making it that way for York. Let's turn it round and make it our home game."

Meanwhile, Callum Bustin's lively performance against Keighley in last week's feisty final friendly has given Kear food for thought ahead of naming his squad.

But Dane Chisholm, who had pencilled in the opening game for his possible comeback, will have to wait longer.

Kear said: "Everybody scrubbed up okay after Keighley but the only quandary we have is Callum.

"I thought he was tremendous but that was obviously his first hit-out since he had a knee operation.

"Whether we go with somebody who's only played so many minutes, or take a more conservative view with regards to him, is something we've got to decide.

"Obviously Dane is still missing as well, so there's a half-back decision there as well. But we've looked at that in the trial games.

"Dane's itching to play but it's when we feel it's right to release him.

"I keep telling people but you've got to look at the long-term picture and that's the full season.

"We've got to make sure that when he goes out there, he's ready to play week in, week out.

"Our total focus right now is on Sunday, so poor old Dane's got to be pushed to the background for the minute."