THE Bulls will finally unveil their new coach in the next few days, with reports claiming John Kear is the front-runner to take over.

Club sources expected an announcement early this week to end the long wait to name Geoff Toovey’s successor.

Paul Anderson, Neil Kelly and Jon Sharp are thought to be among those who have been considered but speculation rose tonight that Kear, who is under contract with Wakefield for next year, is the preferred choice.

The highly-experienced 63-year-old, who coached Wales in the recent World Cup, helped guide Trinity to fifth spot in Super League last season in his role as head of rugby alongside head coach Chris Chester.

He is currently in his second spell at Wakefield, having also coached Batley Bulldogs and having led Sheffield Eagles to a famous Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan in 1998.

There has been healthy interest in the position despite the Bulls preparing for life in the third tier for the first time in their history.

The interview process has now been completed and a deal should be finalised shortly.

Leigh Beattie and under-16s coach Mark Dunning are currently overseeing pre-season training at Tong. But the fitness work is being run chiefly by new strength and conditioning expert Chris Black.

The Bulls had hoped to make a grand announcement on the head coach at the season-ticket collection event scheduled for Odsal today.

But that had to be called off on Saturday on safety grounds because of the wintry weather.

Stadium Manager Mark Leadbeater said “After consultation with senior management and reviewing MET office weather forecasts, we decided that staging the event would place supporters at unnecessary risk.

“We know this is a popular event and the decision was not taken lightly.”

It has now been rescheduled for next Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

Bulls are hoping that the new kit could be available for then after a delay with the suppliers.

The squad numbers for the 2018 campaign will also be revealed to supporters.