MARC Green has confirmed the Bulls are hoping to appoint a head coach by the end of the week amid growing speculation linking Rohan Smith with the job.

Bradford have been searching for a new boss after Jimmy Lowes quit just over a fortnight ago.

Dewsbury head coach Glenn Morrison publicly declared his interest in the post and Oldham boss Scott Naylor was also believed to be keen to return to his old club.

Yet both men remain under contract at their respective clubs until the end of 2017 and among the raft of applicants has come interest from Australia.

Manly assistant coach John Cartwright has been touted as a potential candidate and former Leeds player Matty Adamson is also believed to have expressed an interest in the role.

But it is Smith, the son of former Bradford boss Brian Smith, who has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Lowes in the hot-seat.

Smith has served an impressive apprenticeship in roles at various NRL clubs and also had a stint as assistant coach at London Broncos.

Bulls chairman Green posted on his personal Twitter account: “Confident will be able to make positive announcement regarding HC (head coach) within next 72 - 96 hours.”