ASHLEY Gibson insists the Bulls squad are not hung up over the identity of their next coach.

Interviews are underway to fill the role left by Geoff Toovey, with the club hopeful of making an announcement by the weekend.

Paul Anderson, Jon Sharp and Dewsbury's Neil Kelly are among the names that have been tipped for the Odsal vacancy.

The players, meanwhile, are into their fifth week of pre-season build-up for League One.

Yet Gibson has stressed that any speculation over Toovey's successor is not proving to be a distraction to their schedule with new strength and conditioning coach Chris Black.

The centre said: "We aren't worried about the head coach right now. When it happens, it happens.

"We all have faith in the club to make the right decision and bring in a great person for the job.

"We aren't focused on the coaching situation. We're all working really closely with Chris, who is doing a great job pushing us all to get us in prime condition."

Gibson is eyeing a return to action for the Bulls in the opening friendly against Halifax on Boxing Day.

Having joined from Wakefield in the middle of last season, he featured only twice before rupturing a bicep against Hull KR. He needed surgery but is now well on course to come back.

Gibson said: "My arm feels great now. It was awful when I first injured it but everything is back to normal and I'm really happy to be back to full training with the boys.

"I'm sure that I'm going to be all right for the Boxing Day friendly. It would mean a great deal to me to get out there and get back into action."