Potter leaving stains

[Matthew]

Mick Potter is to leave St Helens at the end of the season, the Super League club announced today.

Potter, who succeeded fellow Australian Daniel Anderson two years ago after enjoying success with Catalans Dragons, is out of contract in October and wants to return to coaching in Australia's National Rugby League.

"It's always been my intention to one day coach in the NRL and it's something I truly believe I am ready for," Potter said.

Potter was an assistant at St George Illawarra when he was chosen to take over from Englishman Steve Deakin just after the start of Catalans Dragons' inaugural season in Super League in 2006.

The 46-year-old took the Perpignan club to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in 2007 and was named Super League coach of the year in 2008 after guiding them to the play-offs.

Saints failed to win a trophy - for the first time since 2003 - in Potter's first season but they are currently challenging on both fronts.

Their 54-0 win over Hull KR at Murrayfield on Sunday kept them just two points behind Super League leaders Wigan and they take on Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday for a place in the last eight of the Challenge Cup.

"Winning the Challenge Cup and a Premiership are well within our capabilities and it would be a great way to go out," said Potter.

Saints chairman Eamon McManus said the club would begin a search for Potter's successor in the coming weeks but had not yet had contact with any prospective coaches.

"Mick has explained to us he has ambitions of possibly securing a place in the NRL and we wish him well in his endeavours," McManus said.

"He has been a great asset to our organisation and he will be successful wherever he goes."

Who will be next?

[georgeorwell]

Poor old Beatrix. Player power maybe?

[FROM A TO B]

my money is on Nathan Brown to replace him

[GeoffN]

Millward?