PAUL Broadbent has admitted the opportunity to coach at a new club with bags of potential was too good to miss.

The former Great Britain star has been named as the new player-boss of York RL, providing the club gets the funds in place to be allowed into the Rugby Football League.

And the 34-year-old says that as his Super League playing days were numbered the player-coach's role at York was ideal.

"I knew I wasn't going to play in Super League after this season and I've been actively looking round for a coaching position," said the current Wakefield Trinity skipper.

"People have talked to me and said there might be something available, but when I spoke to Steve Ferres (prospective chief executive of the new club) he was very enthusiastic about things at York.

"It seems like they're looking to push forward and set up a stable club, and as I'll be going into a new club I won't be inheriting previous conceptions.

"It's a really fresh start and I felt this was a good opportunity for me to get into coaching."

Broadbent does have ambitions of coaching in Super League - and hopes it could be with York.

"I know I've got a lot of learning to do as a coach but nobody is above learning and I am prepared to do it," he said.

"I realise it might take a few years but I do want to get into Super League as a coach and it would be great if it was with York."

Broadbent and Ferres are likely to add to the coaching staff during the close season, should the club get the go-ahead.

"I want a bunch of guys around me working in the same direction," Broadbent added.

"It's not going to be a case of anybody being on their own doing everything.

"I'm hoping before the start of the season we can add a couple of coaches to work alongside us so it becomes a team thing.

"Everybody will have an input. You can get a lot better feedback from different people than just one.

"You've got to be prepared to listen and take on board different views and opinions before making your decision."

Updated: 12:18 Friday, August 30, 2002