Sunbury Tigers Rugby Club is looking for a new senior coach for the second time in as many years.
Jamie Blackwood took on the role this year but has stepped aside for next season due to family commitments.
Blackwood, who was assistant coach, took over from Julian Keddy, who decided to concentrate on the club’s presidency.
The Tigers struggled this year, winning just four games to finish seventh on the Victorian Rugby League first grade ladder. But before that, they had won four premierships in six years.
Keddy says the club has started taking applications for the senior coaching role.
“Jamie’s partner had a baby and the role of coach was too much commitment for him,” the club president said. “It’s a voluntary position and, with the amount of time you need with a newborn, it’s a lot of work.”
Keddy says the club wants to continue the progression of younger players into senior sides.
“With the junior grades being successful, as they have been, it’s about obviously turning them into senior players.
“We want someone who’s committed to us and fits in with the philosophy of being a family club.”
Prospective coaches need to have a senior club coach level 2 certificate or be looking to obtain their level 2 certificate. Keddy says there has been some interest.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ Aaron Teroi was part of the Cook Islands national team that played Tonga in a Rugby League World Cup qualifier.
Former Tigers players and brothers Vincent and Reubenn Rennie were also part of the Cook Islands team.
“They put in a good display and made a real fist of it against a team that had 16 to 17 NRL players in it,” Keddy said,
Tonga won through to the World Cup with a 28-8 win.
Teroi, who is also on Melbourne Storm’s under-20 list, has played all his rugby in Melbourne.
“It’s good for Melbourne football to see local players getting a go,” Keddy said. “It gives younger kids a view that there’s a pathway to a higher level.”
Applications for the coaching job close on November 30. The club is also looking for team mangers, sports trainers and players. Applications to julian@alltradeis.com.au
