SALFORD Reds have confirmed talks are talking place with skipper Mal Alker with a view to him joining the coaching staff next season.

Football director Steve Simms told MEN Sport that Alker is being considered for promotion into a role alongside head coach Shaun McRae.

Alker, the club's long-serving skipper, is seen by the board as an ideal man for the role.

Simms said: "We are in talks with Mal and these are going very well. We are confident things will materialise."

Alker looks set to replace Scott Naylor, who was not retained at the end of last season.

Reds were keen to recruit from within the camp and Alker, naturally, has the backing of the players. He is keen to eventually progress into coaching.

If he does land the job he will work closely with McRae and Simms.

Meanwhile, Reds have drawn a blank in pursuit of an Australian three-quarter.

Simms revealed the player, who's identity is being kept secret, has decided to stay in Australia.

Prop Ryan Boyle has been released by Castleford and Reds are favourite to land the highly-rated young front rower.

Salford will look at bringing in up to six new players to bolster their ranks.

Oldham hopes

CHRIS Hamilton, the Oldham CEO is relishing Sunday's play-off final with Keighley.

He told MEN Sport: "I have every confidence in these Oldham boys but I'm not over-confident because we are certainly not underestimating Keighley.

"They've done the double over us and are certainly no mugs but we have got better and better with each play-off game.

"Our form is good and considering what we've been through and the adversity that we have faced I feel that success for coach Tony Benson and the players would be warranted.

"I'm absolutely made up to see us in the final, our rugby has been good, we've shown immense character and one final win would be a fitting way to round off the season. "

TONY Smith the Warrington coach is expected to pair new signing Richard Myler with Lee Briers at half-back next season.

This means Michael Monaghan, the Lance Todd Trophy winner, will operate at hooker.

Monaghan said: "There will certainly be a lot of competition next season. There will be Richie, Lee, myself, Mickey Higham and also Jon Clarke, so there'll definitely be some rotating.

"Hopefully, the players who have come in can push us to the next level and help us be more consistent."

WIGAN and Saints are set to be at near full strength for Saturday's play-off semi-final.

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