Cummins ready to take on mentor

Bradford coach Francis Cummins is looking forward to going head-to-head with one of the biggest influences on his career, Warrington boss Tony Smith.

Cummins takes his Bradford side to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, pitching the former Leeds winger against his old coach at Headingley.

He said: “Tony Smith has been a big influence on my career.

“As a player he put the finishing touches to me and to Leeds and took them up a level but also when I retired and got the opportunity to coach with him and Brian McDermott, it was a great apprenticeship, not only in Rugby League but also in how to manage people.

“Things like how you influence people and make them better and how to invest in you. I am indebted to the time I spent there under Tony.

“I steal things from everyone and I know I am still using things I got from him and other Coaches.”