Rhinos departures add to Bulls speculation

SUPER League champions Leeds Rhinos are to appoint a new backroom support staff after revealing that assistant coaches Francis Cummins and Willie Poching will leave the club at the end of the season.

Both Cummins, 33, and Poching, 36, have been part of the Rhinos' backroom team for their past three Grand Final triumphs after calling time on successful playing careers at Headingley.

Cummins, who was right-hand man to Tony Smith as well as current head coach Brian McClennan, will bring to an end a 17-year stint with Leeds in order to push for a head coaching position.

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He was recently linked with the England vacancy that was filled by Bradford's Steve McNamara and could now be a contender to take over from McNamara at Odsal, although St Helens coach Mick Potter remains favourite.

"I believe the timing is right now to confirm my intention to look for a fresh challenge for 2011 and beyond," he said.

"I do not have a position to go to at present so there is an element of risk there. However, I have belief in myself and my abilities thanks to the encouragement I have received down the years here at Leeds."