FORMER Great Britain international Paul Broadbent will be the new coach of York RL next season - subject to the new club getting into the league.

In a major coup for York RL the Wakefield Trinity captain has decided to end his days in Super League this season in order to join up with the revolution at Huntington Stadium.

Furthermore, the top-rated prop will come to York as player-coach, so will be able to lead on the field as well as off it.

The new club took the unprecedented move of naming their coach now - before being admitted to the Rugby Football League - to show fans they mean business and encourage people to buy club memberships in order to raise the funds required.

"It's a big step for us to announce the coach, but it is a massive positive for the club," said chief executive in waiting Steve Ferres.

"The message to fans is this is what we're trying to do and these are the type of people we're trying to get involved with the club.

"If people are hanging back, they must now get behind us."

Broadbent (pictured above right with then Sheffield Eagles' team-mate Mark Aston at Wembley) lifted the Challenge Cup with Sheffield in 1998, won eight GB caps and five England caps. The 34-year-old has played top-flight rugby for 15 years, and only last season helped to take Hull to the elimination semi-finals in Super League's play-offs. He also has experience of coaching Hull's Academy ranks.

"It's a major coup for us," said Ferres. "He will be inspirational to the younger players and his experience will be a great benefit. And he is a cracking lad to boot."

Ferres was with Sheffield when they signed Broadbent in 1987, and also knows him through his links with Wakefield.

Added Ferres: "I'm delighted we've got him on board because he will work just as hard to make himself into a top coach.

"He will continue with Wakefield until the end of this season but he will be York player-coach next year, subject to us achieving league status."

Broadbent is expected to be at a York RL public meeting at Huntington Stadium on Wednesday, starting at 7pm.

Updated: 12:00 Friday, August 23, 2002