Matthew Elliott ended months of speculation about his future by announcing today that he is leaving Bradford Bulls at the end of the season to take up a position with a leading club in his native Australia.

Elliott, who recently signed a two-year deal at Odsal, is being strongly linked with a role as co-coach alongside Aussie legend Mal Meninga at Canberra Raiders.

It will bring to an end a highly successful four years as head coach during which time he has guided the Bulls to the Super League title in 1997 and, earlier this year, helped bring the Challenge Cup back to the city for the first time in 51 years.

But the 35-year-old has made no secret of his ambition to coach in the National Rugby League Down Under and has been linked with a succession of teams including his former club St George Illawarra, Newcastle Knights and more recently Wests Tigers.

It is known that Canberra have been looking for someone to share the reins with Meninga next season. The new man will take charge at Bruce Stadium for the 2002 campaign when the former Kangaroo skipper will leave the club.

Breaking the news to the Telegraph & Argus, Elliott said: "The decision to leave the Bulls after five very rewarding and successful years is without doubt the most difficult of my professional life.

"However, for obvious family reasons, coupled with my desire to work in what is currently the world's premier rugby competition, required that I take the opportunity presented.

"The Bulls are entering into what I believe is the most exciting period of the club's history and to not be a part of it is a massive wrench.

"I do take solace out of knowing that under the direction of Chris Caisley the Bulls will continue to be at the forefront of not only Rugby League but British Sport as well.

"The next month presents my last opportunity to achieve something special with this group of outstanding players and coaching staff and all my energies and concentration will be focused on providing the leadership required at this time of the year."

Caisley defended the timing of today's announcement - two days before their play-off showdown with Leeds Rhinos.

"There is never a good time to lose a valued member of staff like Matthew but I know his attitude is that he still has a job to do and just wants to get on and do it.

"I now hope the fans will come out on Saturday and fill the stadium to give him a great send off in what will

be his last match at Odsal.

"It would also be a fitting tribute for him to go out as a winner in the Grand Final at Old Trafford and I am sure Matthew and the players will be working as hard as possible to bring that about.

"I can honestly say we have enjoyed a great relationship and on a personal level I am very happy for him that such a good opportunity has come along. He leaves with our thanks for his great efforts and with our very best wishes for the future."

Caisley said that no decision on a successor will be made until the end of the season but current assistant coach Brian Noble must be a strong candidate and would certainly be a popular choice in the dressing room.