Kear, who coached England in the 2000 World Cup, is among the bookies' favourites to take over from Tony Smith, who announced his resignation after last Saturday's Gillette Four Nations final loss to Australia.

The former Sheffield, Huddersfield and Hull boss has two more years left on his contract at Wakefield, who he guided to a club-best fifth-place finish in engage Super League last year.

The RFL have confirmed they are looking for a full-time coach, which would mean the new boss stepping down from any current club role.

Wildcats began pre-season training this week and Kear said that's all he is concentrating on.

"It is very flattering to be linked with it," said Kear. "I have already been England coach and it's very rare that you get two bites at the cherry.

"Wayne Bennett has been involved with both New Zealand and Australia. He has been with the Australia team a couple of times, he has done State of Origin and he has repeated that as well, so it's nice to be thought of in a similar ilk.

"Tim Sheens has also given experienced coaches a great fillip, because he has taken over an Australia ship that was sailing off course under a younger coach, Ricky Stuart. He has got to the helm and put them back on course.

"From a personal point of view, I certainly feel that it came too early for me the last time. I had success at Sheffield and England followed on from that, but I don't think really I had earned the stripes. All I'd had was success and I think you need a few kicks in the teeth as well, to be a more rounded person and a more rounded coach.

"Should it come about, I think I would be more ready for it this time. But I am employed full-time at Wakefield and nobody has approached me or the club. As it stands at the moment, it is job as usual."

Kear's contract ties him to Wakefield until the end of their current Super League licence and he said there is still work to be done. "My job within that time is to continue to improve the playing side, right the way through from the scholarship upwards, but also to ensure we get a licence," he stressed.

"A new stadium would help, but our on-field record has got to be good enough. That's the driving force behind the work we are doing here."
Meanwhile, Kear described Wildcats' first week of pre-season training as "great, tremendous".

He said: "In the off-season, when the players are away from the club, it is like the Mary Celeste. They have come in this week and energised the place, they are bright, bubbly and fully refreshed.

"They have come back in great shape and I'm delighted with how the incomers – Terry Newton, Glenn Morrison, Shane Tronc – have fitted in, but also eight kids have stepped up from under-18/reserve grade and they have handled it without a problem.

"They have been totally at ease with the skills and the conditioning work and that's the most pleasing thing so far."

l Salford City Reds have signed Canterbury Bulldogs goalkicking utility player Daniel Holdsworth for engage Super League XV.

The 25-year-old Holdsworth, who has made 70 appearances for the Bulldogs after previously playing for St George Illawarra, can play hooker, loose forward or either half-back role.

Reds director of football Steve Simms said: "Daniel's a great playmaker and he's also an excellent field and goalkicker. He hasn't had the chance to show that at Canterbury because he is behind El Masri but we will certainly take a look at that option."

The signing is subject to Holdsworth gaining a work permit.