Smith to rebuild Bulls

Brian Smith, not so fresh off the plane from Australia, begins the process of assessing what the Bradford Bulls need to do to fulfil their potential at Oldham tomorrow, writes Dave Hadfield.

The former Hull and St George coach flew in yesterday after a delay in Bangkok and promised a rebuilding programme at his new club. "I'm the most impatient man in the world, but I have to ask the Bradford supporters to be patient," said Smith who will announce a major signing from Australia next week.

Smith's assistant, Matthew Elliott, has remained in charge of selection at Oldham. He has moved Neil Summers to loose forward and gives Darren Simpson, younger brother of the injured Roger, a debut on the bench.

The new Leeds coach, Dean Bell, arrived in time for last week's match against St Helens, but left his assistant, Hugh McGahan in charge and takes the reins for the first time for tomorrow's game against Halifax, who have sold their loose forward, Gary Divorty, back to his original club, Hull.

Bell has three fellow New Zealanders, Craig Innes, George Mann and Tony Kemp, back after injury with Garry Schofield moving to scrum-half, but Kevin Iro is out.

The London Broncos face the toughest task of all at Wigan. The South Sydney prop, Tony Mestrov, arrived this week and is expected to go straight into the side.

Wakefield Trinity, with four consecutive defeats taking them to the foot of the First Division, have mixed news about their Australian imports. Steve Georgallis, has arrived from Western Suburbs and is likely to play stand-off against Huddersfield, but Darren Fritz is delayed by a hamstring injury and the prospect of being wanted, when fit, for Australia's World Cup squad.