Returning Potter has unfinished business with Bulls

The sheer complexity of the job and the immense workload that comes with it are often the first things that hit assistants when they make the jump up.

It is a 24/7 appointment which can see the person at one point haggling with pushy agents, the next dealing with equally intrusive media, perhaps then attending some corporate event, all having already spent the day organising practice.

He has to be not just a coach but often a counsellor as well, someone whose trusting players know they can turn to at any given moment.

That is part of the reason Bradford Bulls’ players were so delighted to see Mick Potter back in situ yesterday.

“He’s been our rock the whole year,” said co-captain Heath L’Estrange.

“He doesn’t blow up at us; he’s firm but he wouldn’t turn us down. If you needed to talk to him about anything, he’s the man.

“If you weren’t feeling right at training he’d know and pull you aside and say ‘What’s wrong?’

“I’ve had a few troubles throughout this year and at the back end of last when I had my knee reconstruction and some troubles at home. But Mick’s always been there for me.”

Potter, of course, was made redundant on Monday along with the rest of the Bulls’ coaching staff as the club’s administrator slashed away to reduce costs.

It left not only the Australian stunned but the squad shocked and dumbfounded too, feelings which grew into anger as the week progressed.

With the financially-crippled club in limbo, still desperately seeking a buyer to save them from liquidation, the players were left without anyone to coach them for two days as chaos and confusion reigned at Odsal.

A proposed move by the administrator to bring former head coach Brian Noble back to the club on an interim voluntary basis had collapsed.

Concerned players simply wanted their chief to help guide them again at least until after Sunday’s game with London Broncos.

They spoke to him on Tuesday evening at a social event organised to say their farewells.

With Potter sensing morale was clearly low, he informed the club 24 hours later he would return to continue his work without pay.

For someone ruthlessly sacked just a couple of days earlier, it says plenty about the man.

‘Honourable’ was the first word that came into L’Estrange’s head when the Australian hooker heard the news.

“Mick coming back willing to work for free to look after us boys I think is unbelievable,” he added.

“The boys and I respect him so much for that. To be honest, we don’t want to do it without him.

“This is just to get us ready for London but we all take our hats off to Mick, (assistants) Franny (Cummins) and Lee (St Hilaire) for doing it.

“For them to be with us 19 rounds, they feel they have unfinished business but to come back here after what’s happened and just train us and coach us is unbelievable.

“To all the people at the club though – I think there was 15 that didn’t survive – our thoughts are with them and hopefully everything can go back to normal as soon as possible.”

With a number of consortiums now expressing an interest, it is hoped Sunday will not be the last game for Bradford Bulls in their current guise.

L’Estrange, meanwhile, was just glad to be back with his clubmates yesterday having been in camp with the Exiles for much of the week.

The ex-Manly hooker played his part in defeating England but admitted: “It’s been tough. When I trained and played with the Exiles I didn’t think about things but in my hotel room it’s all I could think about. I feel like I’ve not let them down but felt I should have been there with them through this tough time.

“It’s good to be back though. Now we’re just looking forward to London to show potential buyers what a great club this is.”

L’Estrange had featured as Bradford stunned leaders Wigan a week ago and he said: “That showed the passion. It was just awesome and we stayed on the pitch for 20 minutes singing and dancing with all the fans.

“They were still there two hours later to cheer us off as the bus left.

“It’s a great club that’s been here since the inception of the sport, with great people, and it will be emotional on Sunday.

“I’m sure the fans will turn out again and show people what Bradford Bulls are all about.”

Potter, meanwhile, insisted: “I don’t feel like I’m working for the guy that sacked me.

“I feel like I’m working for the players and the game. Just getting the game on on the weekend was important to move forward. I want the club to be successful and I thought I could help out.

“When he originally asked me, it sounded like he wanted me to work for free to the end of the season and that’s not possible.

“I haven’t got a never-ending bank account. I need to feed my family and pay rent.

“But at the moment I’m stuck here and unemployed so I might as well spend Sunday at Bradford Bulls. What better way to do it?”

Potter added: “The boys probably trained as good as they’ve trained all year. There seemed to be a sense of relief that we’re back to a little bit of normality.

“We had a meeting to cover a few issues and what we need to do to get their minds on the job.”