Noble wants to focus his energies on Bradford Bulls

Brian Noble, Waite's assistant who took charge of Yorkshire last season, has told the national coach he wants to stand down from the Origin games in order to focus on his club role with Bradford Bulls.

St Helens coach Ian Millward, who guided Lancashire to victory in both matches in 2002, made a similar decision last week.

"I am going to concentrate on the Bulls," said Noble, who has reaffirmed his commitment to Great Britain for the end-of-season Ashes Series.

"There is more than enough to do here. We are effectively a member of staff down and, with the return to Odsal, there are increased responsibilities for me."

Have Your Say Who should replace him?

Waite, who as the Rugby Football League's performance director is responsible for the development of coaching talent, is expected to turn to Paul Cullen (Warrington) and Graham Steadman (Castleford), who were assistants to Millward and Noble last year.

The redeveloped Odsal has emerged as the likely venue for the Yorkshire leg of the Origin Series, which will be held on 8 and 22 July.