Bulls captain Matt Diskin has ruled himself out of the running to take the coaching reins on a permanent basis.

The 32-year-old former Leeds Rhinos stalwart has been placed in temporary charge after Francis Cummins and Lee St Hilaire were sacked on Monday.

He will pick the team for Friday’s home clash with Hull KR but has no intention of throwing his name in the hat to succeed Cummins.

Diskin said: “These are not ideal circumstances for us as a club or as a team.

“The decision to relieve Francis Cummins and Lee St Hilaire of their duties has come following some below-par performances.

“We just have not been good enough this season and last weekend, going down to Salford, effectively, in the first 15 minutes was difficult to take.

“As I said, the situation I find myself in is far from ideal, however, I am as captain of the Bradford Bulls, the next in line to guide the team into battle.

“Having said that, I do not for one minute believe or see this as an opportunity to achieve anything as a coach.

“It is a short-term fix – I am standing in and have no intention of continuing in this role long-term.

“I am faced with difficult decisions this week with regards to team selection.

"However, the team's drive to provide a response will assist in us getting through this testing period.”

Diskin admitted Cummins and St Hilaire have effectively paid for the team’s failure to perform this season.

The veteran hooker added: “As a team we are hurting as we feel we have let people down.

“It has led to the removal of our head coach and assistant head coach.

“We owe a response to them, like we do our loyal supporters and everyone connected to the club.

“I have to ensure we are ready to face Hull KR and I think it goes without saying, we are all looking forward to this game.”