Noble and Smith on Salford shortlist

Brian Noble and Brian Smith are both on a shortlist for the Salford head coach job, according to chief executive Ed Farish.

Noble, 52, has been without a club since leaving Crusaders at the end of 2010, while Australian Smith has previously coached Hull and Bradford in the UK.

The Reds have been on the look out for a new coach since the sacking of Phil Veivers earlier this month, with interim head coach Alan Hunte also believed to be on the shortlist.

Farish said: “I don’t want to talk names but those that have been bandied around are not too far off the mark.

“The shortlist is still being put together but we’ve started to talk to people now. I think we’re talking weeks rather than months.

“We’re getting closer but it’s important that we get the right person.”

Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash has been in contact with Smith, who has most recently been in charge at Sydney Roosters, up until the end of last season. He has also taken charge at St George, Parramatta and Newcastle during his coaching career.

Former Great Britain coach Noble led Bradford during their years of dominance in Super League, and has also coached Wigan.