Rugby League: Australians target Broncos post

THE FIELD of contenders for the vacant coaching post at the London Broncos is an all-Australian zone, writes Dave Hadfield.

Only fellow countrymen have applied to succeed Tony Currie, who resigned last week after a disappointing season and an internal inquiry into incidents in the Broncos' match against St Helens.

Tony Rea, the club's chief executive, has spoken to the two leading candidates - Les Kiss, the North Sydney reserve grade coach, and Brisbane Norths' Mark Murray.

"Other applicants include Murray Hurst, who is assistant to Tim Sheens at North Queensland, and Jason Alchin at Western Suburbs," said Rea. "We haven't had any approaches from English coaches."

That might have something to do with the widespread perception of the Broncos as a wholly Australian organisation. That view has been further fostered by the decision to release three of the small British contingent in their first-team squad: Nick Mardon, Giles Thomas and Wes Cotton.

Sheffield Eagles have had four enquiries for Paul Broadbent, their transfer- listed captain and Test prop. They are from London, Warrington, Hull and Bradford.

Sheffield have agreed a new, one-year contract with the other mainstay of their side, the scrum-half Mark Aston.