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Bradford Bulls identify head coach target after surprise Eamon O'Carroll exit

Andrew Henderson is attracting interest from Bradford Bulls.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Bradford Bulls have identified Andrew Henderson as a prime candidate to become their next head coach. Rugby League Live understands the Bulls are keen on Henderson after launching a search to replace outgoing coach Eamon O'Carroll.

O'Carroll made a surprise exit from the Bulls earlier this week, with the former Wigan Warriors forward expected to take up a role in St Helens' coaching system moving forward. That has seen the Bulls find themselves looking for a new coach in unexpected circumstances given he only signed a long-term contract extension earlier in the year.

But the club is moving swiftly and Henderson is believed to have already been identified by decision-makers as a coach they would be keen to talk to about the role.

The 45-year-old is currently contracted to York Knights, where he was named head of rugby in a restructuring process that took place earlier this year. But Henderson is still understood to have coaching aspirations and a move to the Bulls could be of interest. Henderson is also thought to be close friends with Brian Noble, who acts as a rugby consultant to the Odsal club.

Henderson has plenty of coaching experience at this level having previously coached London Broncos and he joined Warrington Wolves' coaching staff ahead of the 2018 season. After leaving, he became head of rugby at Keighley Cougars before joining York Knights ahead of the 2023 season. In his one full season in charge, York made the play-offs and reached the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Bradford have already done the vast majority of their recruitment for the 2025 season but a quick appointment is seen as ideal to begin planning for the season ahead, with pre-season training to start next month.

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