New coach, same story for Bradford Bulls as Salford thwart comeback

Bradford have changed their coach but there was no improvement in their results as they slumped to a ninth consecutive defeat in Lee St Hilaire's first game in charge as caretaker, following the dismissal of Steve McNamara last week. The Bulls were beaten 30-26 at Odsal by Salford , who remain in the bottom three of the Super League table despite their seventh win of the season. Jodie Broughton scored two spectacular long-range tries for the City Reds, who established a 30-10 lead and then held off a Bulls fightback that came too late. Bradford are in danger of failing to qualify for the top-eight play‑offs for a second consecutive season. St Helens maintained their position in the top three with a hard-earned 32-18 win against a Harlequins team whose coach, Brian McDermott, said: "I have never been more proud of my players." Quins were only two points down until Saints scored two late tries, re-establishing their two-point advantage over fourth-placed Hull. Saints had confirmed before the kick‑off that they will play most of their home games at the Halton Stadium in Widnes next season. They will reveal full details of the plans for their new stadium tomorrow. Wigan have also called a press conference tomorrow at which they are expected to announce several major additions to their squad for next season. The Super League leaders have been in negotiations to sign several players from the Melbourne Storm following the salary-cap scandal that has engulfed the Victorian club. They may also confirm a new deal for Gareth Hock, to start next June when he completes his two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine. Batley beat Widnes 25-24 in a thrilling Northern Rail Cup final at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road.