Potter to take over at Bradford

Bradford have confirmed that Mick Potter is the coach charged with trying to recapture the club's former glories. The St Helens and ex-Catalan Dragons coach has agreed a two-year contract which will start next season.

"Mick was previously intent on returning home to Australia at the end of the current season," said Peter Hood, the Bulls' chairman. "I'm delighted that we were able to persuade him to change his mind."

Potter replaces Steve McNamara, who was released early from his contract this week after a run of eight defeats. Lee St Hilaire, his assistant, will take charge for tomorrow's match against Salford. Meanwhile, Potter has reassured Saints' fans of his commitment to the club for the remainder of this season. "My only focus for the next three months is St Helens," he said. "Like the players, I'm desperate for success in the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final." Saints are at home to Harlequins tomorrow.

At the same time, Castleford and Wakefield go into their derby with the prospect of a ground-sharing scheme taking shape. The head of Wakefield Council, Peter Box, said that financial cuts mean that they will no longer be giving land to both clubs for proposed new stadiums and will be conducting a feasibility study at the two sites.