Bradford's Great Britain stars Paul Anderson and Paul Deacon have taken their first steps towards a career in coaching.

The Bradford duo were among a group of players that included Great Britain and Wigan Warriors skipper Andy Farrell and Lions vice captain Paul Sculthorpe, who completed Professional Players Senior Coaching Awards at Bolton Arena last week.

The players underwent an intensive two-day course designed to help them move into coaching when their playing days are over and to play a role coaching the stars of the future at their clubs.

National coaching director Ray Unsworth said: "These are the men who will shape the future of rugby league during the next decade so it is important we ensure they are properly qualified and equipped with the skills to undertake such an important job."

The course is now in its second year. One of last year's graduates, Denis Betts, has already cemented a job as Mike Gregory's assistant at Wigan.