WHITEHAVEN coach James Coyle has announced he is to stand down at the end of the season ahead of his side's trip to Bradford on Sunday.

Coyle's work commitments and expanding business have led him to inform the Cumbrian strugglers that he does not wish to be considered for the coaching position next year.

Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd said: "James informed us of his position and we will be advertising the post, possibly as early as next week, in the trade papers.

"I think there would have been a case for keeping on James next year, bringing some continuity to the club in the coaching position.

"There have been some very good performances this season and I think we would have been further up the table but for the injury situation which has obviously affected us."

Coyle is in his second season as Whitehaven coach but his side lie second bottom of the Championship and are at risk of being relegated.

Todd said: "What he is determined to do is end his Whitehaven career on a high by keeping the club in the Championship."

There are just three games left in the regular season and Coyle's men face trips to Bradford and neighbours Workington Town before finishing off with a home game against fellow strugglers Sheffield.

That will then set up seven more games in the Championship Shield to complete the season when the key clashes will be against Workington, Oldham, Sheffield, Dewsbury and Swinton.

Meanwhile, Bradford Bulls Women returned to winning ways with a 68-10 thrashing of Normanton Knights on Sunday.

The Bulls ran in 13 tries, including four individual braces, as Mark Prescott's side charged to victory.