St Hilaire set to stay to assist new Bulls boss Potter

Assistant St Hilaire takes charge as Bradford entertain Salford City Reds tomorrow, aiming to end an eight-match losing run which saw Steve McNamara relieved of his duties on Tuesday.

St Helens coach Potter was yesterday confirmed as his successor on a two-year deal starting in 2011 and St Hilaire is ready to extend his contract and aid the in-coming Australian.

"The club has said they want me to do that and I'm more than happy because Steve McNamara has laid a great foundation for Bradford," said St Hilaire.

"The structures he's put in place here will underpin whatever the next coach does and the Bradford public, when they see some of the youth stepping onto the field, will see the benefits of that in years to come.

"I'm really grateful for the tuition and opportunity Steve has given me and there's an exciting future here."

Potter, 46, has also been tempted by the prospect of bringing success back to Bradford. He had initially planned on returning home at the end of the season but will return to Odsal where he started his coaching career as an assistant under Matty Elliott between 1996-99.

Potter has since carved out a fine reputation having taken Catalans Dragons to Wembley in 2007 and winning Super League coach of the Year after guiding the French club to third spot.

St Helens were beaten in the Grand Final last season but, in his second year at Knowsley Road, they are well-placed to challenge for a league and cup double and that proven track record attracted the Bulls.

"Bradford were very persuasive as I was intending on going home," said Potter. "I think they are a club that are in the building phase and that probably suits me.

"Steve Mac has laid a good platform to take them forward and, if I was going to stay at a club in England, Bradford were probably the one, having had some involvement there in the past.

"It was my first coaching role and it was a lot of fun back then. I worked with Matthew Elliott and Brian Noble and the players included James Lowes, Paul Anderson, Paul Medley, Brian McDermott and Steve Mac."

First, though, St Hilaire is facing the challenge of inspiring a depleted and confidence-lacking side tomorrow which has fallen out of the play-off reckoning.

"I'll be doing my best to get the edginess out of their play," he said.