MAL COCHRANE looks to have priced himself out of the running for the Leigh hot seat.

The Australian Aborigines coach, an 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 - teams like 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 Cochrane was one of more than a dozen applicants for the vacancy.

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

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 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 have at the club."

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