McRae to hold talks with Salford

McRae left his role with NRL side South Sydney last year

Former Hull and St Helens boss Shaun McRae is to have talks with Salford about their vacant coaching job.

The Australian, who missed out on the Great Britain post, is favourite to succeed Karl Harrison as coach of Super League's bottom club.

"Salford have indicated they would like me to take the job but I will have discussions with them," he said.

McRae said talks would take place over the next 24 hours, but he did not know when a decision was likely.

McRae attended Salford's match with Huddersfield on Friday, having travelled to Britain unaware of the vacancy as a guest of Salford's football director Steve Simms.

He said: "When I arrived in England I didn't have any idea about what had happened. I'd been in Dubai for a few days and rugby league isn't very popular there.

They have a good vision for the future and a new stadium a few years down the line Shaun McRae

"I was always going to go to the Salford game on Friday as a guest of Steve Simms, who is a very good friend.

"I know about all the conjecture and some people have the job stamped on for Shaun McRae.

"I have got to look at some personal situations and professional situations. Experience teaches me not to jump straight into it.

"I know where they are in the table and there are some issues at the club but they have a good vision for the future and a new stadium a few years down the line."

The Australian, who lost out to Tony Smith for the Great Britain post, has indicated his desire to return to work in this country after leaving NRL side South Sydney.

McRae won the Super League title with Saints before moving to Gateshead and Hull.

He left for South Sydney in 2005 but was moved upstairs after two disappointing seasons and eventually decided to quit the club.

Salford are four points adrift at the foot of the table having won just four of their 15 games.

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Simms is keen to get his close friend on board and last week said: "It may not be what he is looking for but I would imagine he is going to think about it."

Simms, who says between 20-25 applications have been received, says Reds assistant Jimmy Lowes is also on the shortlist.

Lowes, who was last week appointed as Great Britain's new trainer, was Harrison's right-hand man and says he wants the top job.

Former Cronulla and Penrith coach John Lang has also been linked with the position.

The 56-year-old coached the Australian Super League team for the 1997 series against Great Britain.