Bradford Bulls: Cummins searching for paid job (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls: Francis Cummins considers labouring just to feed his family

8:20am Monday 23rd July 2012 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Francis Cummins has revealed he is actively seeking paid employment after admitting that working for the Bulls on a voluntary basis is simply not viable.

Cummins was among the 16 employees made redundant by administrator Brendan Guilfoyle at the start of the month. But the coaching staff have since returned to work without pay and will continue to do so heading into Sunday’s game at Warrington.

Mick Potter has stated that he cannot afford to continue without pay beyond the end of the month and Cummins, a father of three, is in a similar position.

The deadline to find a buyer or face liquidation is looming on Friday and should finally give the Bulls an idea about where they are headed. But Cummins is already searching for paid work.

Ideally he would like to stay in rugby league but he has considered working in rugby union – and even labouring – as he looks to bring in some much-needed cash.

“I’ve got three kids to feed and it would be silly of me to work without pay for much longer,” said the former assistant coach.

“I’ll do absolutely anything and if that means labouring somewhere, then that’s what I’ve got to do.

“Myself, Mick and Lee St Hilaire all want to stay in this industry but ultimately I’ve got commitments and if I’ve got to go and earn a living elsewhere then I will.”

Former Leeds assistant coach Cummins is rated highly in the game but a scarcity of coaching jobs could make it difficult to secure a new position elsewhere.

He could come under consideration for the vacant London Broncos job and cannot be discounted from being handed the reins at Odsal next year, depending on how events unfold in the coming days.

Cummins said: “I’ll just do my best to try and get myself a job. You’ve got to get an interview first and tell them what you’re about.

“Any job that becomes available, within reason, I think I’ll be throwing my hat into the ring.

“I obviously don’t want to be trying to take somebody else’s job but if there is an opening, I’ll be putting my CV in.

“Do I want to be a head coach? Without a doubt, and that’s what I’m trying to pursue now, but obviously there are only so many jobs.

“There’s nothing out there in rugby league right now, so I’m looking at other options – even rugby union.

“That’s also difficult too because clubs are already well underway with their pre-season preparations.”

Cummins is confident his talents will be put to use before too long.

He said: “I feel like I’m in a really good position. In terms of my coaching career, I was part of a Leeds club who built a dynasty of success and now I’ve had to do it a different way at Bradford.

“From looking poor last season, we’ve improved and we could still achieve something this season, even after the points deduction. This whole year has been huge for my development.”

Cummins has not given up hope of being reinstated in his old job as the club seek to find a buyer before Friday to stave off liquidation.

“I really hope something positive happens because there is too much to throw away with the fans, the players and the staff at Bradford,” he said.

Bulls full back Brett Kearney will be assessed this week after suffering concussion in the defeat at Leeds on Friday.