Amateur RL: Raiders in the market for new coach as Benn calls time on role

The ex- Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers and Scotland full-back has been in charge of the Leeds club for the last four seasons.

The 39-year-old has agreed to take the reins for tomorrow’s National Conference Division One home game against Normanton Knights and stay on until a replacement is found before standing down.

Team manager Phil Craddick has offered to do the same as the club – which celebrated the 10th anniversary of their national title success just last month – begin an overhaul.

It is thought difficulties raising numbers is part of the problem with both growing disillusioned with the state of amateur rugby league since its switch to summer.

Oulton won their first five games in 2016 after being relegated from the top-flight last year but have tasted victory in just two of the next eight, Saturday’s 23-16 loss at Hunslet Warriors a fourth defeat on the trot.

They sit seventh yet still just two points adrift of second-placed Skirlaugh so are aware they can kick-start a promotion push if they can rediscover some form soon.

Any interested parties in the first-team coach role should contact Oulton chairman Geoff Rush on 07809 486064 or email [email protected]

Elsewhere, East Leeds head to Elland tomorrow without Kyle Quinlan, Zack Lillywhite and Ryan Gaunt. Tom Carter, Shane Plunkett and Mark Greenwood are back in the ranks, though, as they take on the Halifax strugglers.

Hunslet Warriors visit Featherstone Lions and Milford Marlins are at Myton Warriors.

In the Premier Division, Lock Lane make the long trip to Wath Brow Hornets while in Division Two, Thornhill Trojans visit Askam, Dewsbury Celtic host Leigh East and Stanley Rangers welcome Salford City Roosters.