By Dave Woods

Kearney, 32, has played 44 times for New Zealand

Stephen Kearney will not be at his best when he makes his belated debut for Hull against Bradford on Friday but does not intend to disappoint.

"I won't be 100%, far from it, but I know that with the work I've done with the physio and my experience I'll get round the park, no problems," he said.

"If I can use some of the skills that have been part of my game for the last 12 years, I'll be doing OK."

Kearney has missed Hull's first five games because of a pectoral injury.

The former New Zealand captain, capped 44 times by his country, tore the muscle during a regular gym session nine weeks ago.

"There was no history, not nothing, it just happened. That made it very frustrating," said the former Melbourne Storm player. But I've been working very hard on my fitness."

I am looking forward to putting all the frustration behind me Stephen Kearney

The 32-year-old back rower has been very impressed with his new club and coach John Kear but refuses to make any rash predictions.

"It's hard to talk about Grand Finals and Challenge Cups when the reward is six months away," said Kearney.

"But John has a philosophy. He sets targets and goals for each match and if we come close to reaching them we've a good chance of a positive result.

"If you can keep that up for a year, you've a good chance of winning something come September and October."

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But it's the short term that is occpying Kearney's thoughts for the moment. The debut against Bradford at Odsal.

"I can pick them, can't I?" he laughs. "They have been the benchmark for the last five years, based on their big forwards.

"But I am looking forward to it and to putting all the frustration behind me."