MAL Cochrane, coach of the Australian Aborigines team, looks to have priced himself out of the running for the vacancy at Leigh.

Cochrane, the ex-Manly hooker, is keen to make his mark in the British professional game.

But his financial demands are almost certain to put him out of reach of second division clubs looking for coaches such as Leigh and Hunslet Hawks.

He is understood to be seeking a contract in the region of £35,000 a year.

Leigh chairman Mick Higgins confirmed that Cochrane was one of more than a dozen applicants for the Hilton Park vacancy.

"His application will be considered with the rest when we sit down in the next few days and draw up a shortlist."

The latest applicant is ex-Wigan and Oldham hooker Nicky Kiss who, prior to being struck down by a brain haemorrhage a few months ago, was on the coaching staff at Oldham.

Another applicant is Steve Hampson the ex-Wigan and Great Britain full-back who is furious that Salford Reds have let him go on the eve of the club's debut in the Super League.

"If they think I'm too old, that's rubbish;" blasts Hampson.

"I'm as fit, if not fitter than many blokes younger than me and I want to get back into the game as quickly as possible to show them what I can do.

"I believe I could do a great job at Leigh. I could be on the field helping develop some of the many good young players they've got at the club.

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