Salford Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash has said that he is hopeful director of rugby Tim Sheens will remain at the club in 2016 – and has hinted he could be in the running for the head coach vacancy.

Sheens arrived at Salford in July as director of rugby and has worked alongside interim head coach Ian Watson whilst the club battle for survival in the Super 8s.

And after Iestyn Harris’ departure was confirmed earlier this week, Koukash said there are no plans to recruit from outside – and if Sheens stays, which he hopes he will, he could be head coach.

“I’m awaiting his recommendation and I hope that he will be part of the new set-up as well, whether that be as head coach or director of rugby,” Koukash said.

“I don’t think there are any plans to bring in any additional coaching staff. They are going to come back and tell me what structure they want.

“I know and Tim knows that he wants to stay on beyond his consultancy term.”