Harrison's noble qualities win over Bradford

Bradford have continued their "best of British" policy by naming Karl Harrison as assistant coach to Brian Noble. Harrison, who was coach at Keighley last season, had a distinguished playing career at Bramley, Featherstone, Hull and Halifax, as well as making 14 Great Britain appearances.

Bradford have continued their "best of British" policy by naming Karl Harrison as assistant coach to Brian Noble. Harrison, who was coach at Keighley last season, had a distinguished playing career at Bramley, Featherstone, Hull and Halifax, as well as making 14 Great Britain appearances.

"I am extremely delighted to have acquired someone of Karl's stature and ability," said Noble. "The qualities you look for in an assistant, loyalty and commitment, made it a difficult decision for him to leave Keighley and I know he will be bringing those qualities to Odsal.

"He is a thought-provoking person with great ideas and is exceptionally good at man-management."

Harrison confirmed it had been a difficult decision to leave Keighley, the side he steered into the Northern Ford Premiership play-offs last season. "It was a tough decision but the opportunity to work with the high quality staff and players at the Bulls was too good to miss," he said.

Keighley will now announce Steve Deakin, Harrison's former No 2 at Cougar Park, as his successor. Deakin took up the coaching post at Rochdale Hornets in August, but has resigned without having a single match in charge.

Wigan are stepping up the search for a prop following the loss of Tony Mestrov and Brady Malam. Mestrov is rejoining London Broncos, while Malam has returned to New Zealand. "I was sorry to see him go," said coach Frank Endacott. "I think he has been exceptional."

Even with Neil Cowie re-signing, Endacott says Wigan need further front row cover. "I have a few ideas, but Harvey Howard isn't one of the names," he said.

Endacott also defended not leading out Wigan at Saturday's Tetley's Bitter Super League Grand Final. "There was never any suggestion that coaches should do that," he said. "It was about the players and my job was in the stand."

The Russians say captain Ian Rubin will arrive with their squad next week for the Lincoln World Cup, despite worries over an eye socket injury.