Rhinos veterans to leave in Headingley coaching shake-up

It came as a surprise given two potential jobs were removed from the market over the weekend, Nathan Brown confirming he is staying at Huddersfield Giants soon after Harlequins' Brian McDermott insisted he will not be swapping London for Bradford.

Speculation about player transfers normally commands attention at this time of year but it is the movement of coaches ahead of 2011 which is currently dominating the agenda.

Bradford are expected to imminently announce their replacement for England-bound Steve McNamara, with St Helens' Mick Potter still favourite, meaning, after Catalans appointed Trent Robinson, the only likely vacancy will be at Knowsley Road, a position almost certainly out of reach of the aspiring Rhinos duo.

Cummins, who ends a 17-year relationship with Leeds as both player and assistant, admits "there is an element of risk" to his decision as he has no employment lined up but is eager to test himself at the highest level following a thorough and hugely successful apprenticeship under, first, Tony Smith and, currently, Brian McClennan.

The Dewsbury-born coach believes he is ready for that challenge after five years in his current role which has seen him oversee three successive Grand Final victories.

Many thought Cummins, 33, could eventually succeed McClennan but, with the Kiwi having signed a new deal until at least the end of 2011, he knows that prospect is too far in the distance.

"I have been privileged to spend half my life at this great club," said the former winger, who became the youngest ever player to feature in the Challenge Cup Final when facing Wigan in 1994 aged just 17, going on to become the sixth highest try scorer in Leeds's history with 188 touchdowns.

"During my time at the club, I have seen us fight off relegation, change ownership and emerge from a period of under-achievement to create a Championship winning squad and mentality but I believe the timing is now right."

Poching, 36, retired a year after Cummins and has been at Headingley since joining Leeds as a player from Wakefield in 2002.

He has proved equally as integral to the champions' success but is now seeking a "new environment" to expand his knowledge, either as an assistant at a rival Super League club or head coach in National League One.

Leeds may decide to again promote from within although McClennan is expected to recruit at least one new assistant for next season.

Bradford half-back Paul Sykes appears before the RFL disciplinary tonight facing the threat of a three-match ban after an alleged spear tackle on Harlequins' Oliver Wilkes while Huddersfield's David Faiumu appears on a charge of a Grade A illegal tackle against Crusaders' Nick Youngquest.