Salford turn to Harrison for added inspiration

Karl Harrison is leaving Bradford to become Salford's new coach. The former Great Britain prop, assistant to Brian Noble with the Bulls for the last two seasons, was named yesterday as the successor to Steve McCormack at Super League's bottom club.

A player whose clubs included Hull and Halifax, he also coached Keighley. "Karl was a model pro who always led from the front," said Salford's director or rugby, Steve Simms, who worked with him at Halifax. "He has served his coaching apprenticeship and is very highly-rated. He has the ability and experience to inspire."

Having seen Bradford rack up some big scores against the Reds recently, Harrison, who is Salford's third coach in a year following John Harvey and McCormack, will be under no illusion about the scale of his task.

Harrison will be at Salford's game against St Helens tomorrow, but will not take charge until the squad begins its preparation for their next match, at Castleford on 9 June.

One player he is most unlikely to have at his disposal is Bobbie Goulding, who was yesterday suspended by the club following a training ground flare-up with team-mate Graham Holroyd. The suspension, which is open-ended, will no doubt speed his departure from The Willows, with Warrington in negotiation last night to take him to his eighth professional club.

Francis Cummins will make his 100th consecutive Super League appearance for Leeds against Hull tonight. Leeds have a doubt over Adrian Vowles, but Matt Adamson and Karl Pratt are back. Hull also have injury problems although Jason Smith should return.

Paul Sykes – again borrowed from Bradford – goes straight into London's side at Wigan tonight. The Australian pair, Julian O'Neill and Jamie Ainscough, are back for Wigan.