Potter's St Helens move disappoints Catalans

St Helens have appointed Mick Potter as their new head coach to replace Daniel Anderson next season.

Potter, currently coach at the Catalan Dragons, has agreed a two-year contract, disappointing the French club, who were negotiating with him to stay.

A former player with St George and Canterbury and assistant coach at Bradford, he has steered the Catalans to third in the Super League table in his second season in charge.

“We are very pleased that Mick has accepted the role of head coach of the Saints,” said the club’s coach, Eamonn McManus.

“He’s a coach with a constantly improving track record and whose career is in the ascendant.

“We are confident that he can continue the brilliant work that Daniel Anderson has done at the club in the last three years.”

Anderson had announced his planned departure at the end of this season because he wants to return to his native Australia, although he does not have a job there yet.

The Dragons now face the tricky task of finding the right man to continue their progress. Two Australians with Super League credentials, Graham Murray and Ian Millward, are among those looking for jobs.

The Leeds and Great Britain prop, Ryan Bailey, has agreed a new two-and-a-half year contract with the club. Bailey, currently sidelined with a knee injury, says he wants to finish his career with his home-town club.

Trent Barrett is ready to return for Wigan at Bradford on Sunday, amid renewed speculation about his future.

The stand-off, who has had minor knee surgery, is being linked with Canterbury in his native Australia, despite being contracted with Wigan for next season.

“We wouldn’t shut the door on it,” said the Bulldogs’ chief executive, Todd Greenberg. “If he came home early we would be interested in talking to him.”

Gareth Hock is also ready to return for Wigan after recovering from a broken hand.

St Helen's will play Warrington in the fifth round of the Challenge Cup on the 10 May. The other televised game of the weekend will be Hull KR against Huddersfield the following day.

Former New Zealand Warriors' hooker, George Gatis has left Huddersfield for family reasons after only three months.

Widnes have signed the experienced forward, Richard Fletcher, following his release by Whitehaven.