McNamara likely to keep it in the family for England

Bradford Bulls' McNamara is clear favourite to replace Tony Smith as coach but the departed Australian's elder brother is also primed for a position.

Brian Smith, 56, was coach at Hull FC between 1988 and 1991 when he played a major role in the development of McNamara's blossoming playing career.

They linked up again briefly when the Australian started the Bulls revolution at Odsal in 1995 before he returned home to take charge of Parramatta Eels.

Should McNamara, 38, be confirmed as coach, as is expected next week, he would be keen on having the vastly-experienced Smith alongside him, just as New Zealand rookie Stephen Kearney had veteran former Australia coach Wayne Bennett in his corner for the Kiwis' famous 2008 World Cup success.

McNamara, who had been Tony Smith's international assistant for the last three years, has just marked his four-year anniversary at Bradford with a five-point haul over Easter that has seen them rise to fifth.

He came under immense pressure last season when the Bulls failed to make the play-offs for the first time but survived calls for his sacking and has shown signs of turning things around.

However, his contract is up at the end of the current campaign and there have been no talks yet about his future with the Odsal board believed to be split as to whether he is the right man to take them on.

Bulls chairman Peter Hood says Bradford's directors had planned to discuss the matter at the end of the month and will not be rushed into a decision despite the RFL's obvious interest.

McNamara may take over on a part-time basis until his deal runs out – England have just the mid-season international against France on June 12 during that time frame – but the Bulls have been hurt by such an arrangement in the past and are loathe to repeat the scenario.

McNamara's predecessor Brian Noble combined the roles for three years following his appointment as Great Britain coach in 2004 and, in hindsight, his main employers felt it was not always manageable.

Leeds Rhinos hooker Danny Buderus has revealed he wants to carry on playing with the club next season.

The former Australian Test star, 32, had been undecided about continuing for a third year in Super League but yesterday confirmed he is keen to carry on although there have been no talks yet.

However, team-mate Keith Senior, 34, is discussing a potential deal to extend his illustrious career at Headingley.

Recently-returned Leeds winger Lee Smith is in danger of missing Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup tie at Hull FC.

He has been charged with illegal use of the knees on stand-off Jordan Turner and hooker Shaun Berrigan in Sunday's Super League win over the Airlie Birds and must appear before the RFL disciplinary panel today facing a possible one-match ban.