Francis Cummins has tipped Matt Diskin to be a future coach and revealed his influence is already rubbing off on the Bulls’ young guns.

Cummins recently confirmed Diskin as his club captain for the 2014 campaign, which looks certain to be his last before he hangs up his boots.

The former Leeds hooker, a four-time Grand Final winner during his long spell at Headingley, recently spoke of his desire to move into coaching when he retires.

Head coach Cummins said: “Disko has expressed an interest in coaching already.

“He and Garreth Carvell are wanting to do some work with the young kids but the training has been pretty full-on during pre-season and they have needed to rest up.

“They will be helping out and passing on their experience that way with the kids – but Disko has coached for years at amateur level anyway and with good teams too.

“I would think that his natural progression would be to become a coach. But first and foremost we need him out there on the field because he’s a quality player and a great influence on the young people.

“We know that this is going to be his last year and he knows he’s getting the last bit out of his career.”

Following the departure of joint-captain Heath L’Estrange at the end of last season, Diskin looks set to share hooking responsibilities with Adam O’Brien this coming campaign.

Nathan Conroy is also looking to further establish himself in Cummins’ plans after making his first-team debut on the final day of last season against Huddersfield.

Cummins thinks Diskin is the ideal role model for the young hookers and said: “The influence Disko has on other people is very good.

“Even his sense of humour has been picked up by Adam O’Brien. The lads do say that he is becoming Disko and that’s what it’s all about.

“When Disko eventually throws his boots in the river, Adam will have picked up a lot from him and Nathan will as well.

“Nathan has shaved all his hair off, so he’s been getting some stick about being a ‘young Disko’, but it’s all good.”

Cummins’ squad finished for their Christmas break at the weekend and resume training on January 2.