Friday 16th July 10

Bradford Bulls have confirmed that Mick Potter will be their head coach for the 2011 Engage Super League season.

The current St Helens boss was set to return to his native Australia at the end of this campaign, but he will now remain in Britain to re-join the club he worked for as an assistant coach between 1996 and 1999.

The 46-year-old will replace England boss Steve McNamara, who was released from the top job at Odsal by mutual consent earlier this week.

Bulls chairman Peter Hood said: "Mick was initially intent on returning home to Australia at the end of the current Engage Super League season.

"I'm delighted we were able to persuade him to change his mind and instead commit the next two years to Bradford Bulls.

"We are excited at the prospect of welcoming back one of our own, an exceptionally talented head coach with a proven track record of success."

McNamara's assistant Lee St Hilaire has been placed in charge until the end of the season as the Bulls try to avoid missing out on a play-off spot for the second straight season.

Potter succeeded Daniel Anderson at St Helens at the start of the 2009 season having impressed in guiding Catalans Dragons to the 2007 Challenge Cup final and a third place finish in the table in 2008.

But his reign at Knowsley Road has not been as successful as Saints fans had hoped.

The club suffered a third-successive Grand Final defeat at the hands of Leeds Rhinos last season and their run of three-successive Carnegie Challenge Cup triumphs was ended in the semi-finals by Huddersfield Giants.

They currently sit third in the table and will meet Leeds in the last four of the Cup.

Potter is determined to end his two-year stint at the GPW Recruitment Stadium on a high by collecting at least one trophy.

“Although I’m looking forward to the challenge at Bradford next season, my only focus for the next three months is the St Helens club,” he said.

“Like the players, I’m desperate for success in the Challenge Cup and Grand Final and the fans can be assured of my total and undivided commitment to fulfilling both of those ambitions.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Saints and appreciate the opportunity which they gave to me - I aim to finish with a record of achievement.”