Brown is contracted to the Giants until 2011 but has a release clause if an Australian job comes up.

Brown is tipped to become No.2 to Souths’ John Langand play a key role in the development of their star England recruit Sam Burgess.

He has denied an NRL approach but wouldn’t rule out a return.

Huddersfield face a fifth-round Challenge Cup tie against Warrington on Sunday in a repeat of last Jamie Peacock as England skipper.

But Souths’ chief executive Shane Richarson said: “Sam has a contract with us and as far as we are concerned he will playing at Brisbane that weekend.

“You don’t see the UKbased Kiwis coming out for the Anzac Test.”

St Helens coach Mick Potter has emerged as a shock contender to succeed McNamara at Bradford. Potter is out of contract at Saints.