New Saints coach Royce Simmons is ready for the challenge (From St Helens Star)

New Saints coach Royce Simmons is ready for the challenge

12:02pm Thursday 22nd July 2010

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FORMER Australian Test hooker Royce Simmons has declared he is ready for the challenge after being appointed Saints’ head coach for the next two seasons.

Currently assistant coach to both the Australian national side and West Tigers, 50-year-old Simmons replaces Mick Potter who will be joining Bradford at the end of the season.

The appointment ends weeks of speculation – and it is expected to be followed shortly by the announcement of two new signings with international experience.

Simmons said: “This is a huge honour for me and a challenge that I am ready for. St Helens are one of the great historic names in world rugby league and are at the crossroads for a great future as they move to a new stadium with a squad that has a great balance and blend of proven internationals and some of the brightest young prospects in the game.

“I’m fully aware of their record of achievement and the style of rugby which has so distinguished them over the years. I’m really looking forward to taking up the role and moving to England.”

Simmons has been assistant to Tim Sheens at Wests Tigers for the past seven years.

Prior to that he held the head coach positions at Penrith Panthers and Hull, where he enjoyed two years from 1992.

That experience is something Saints chairman Eamonn McManus believes will be invaluable.

McManus said: “He is as used to successfully coaching elite players and developing young talent alike.

“Having worked directly with Tim Sheens for the last seven years, he is more than well equipped to ensure that Saints compete and succeed at the highest level.”

Australian national coach Tim Sheens gave Simmons his vote of confidence to take on such a demanding role at Saints.

“Although sad to lose Royce, I’m extremely happy for him.

“He’s now absolutely ready to succeed in coaching a club of the standing of St Helens. He’s more than aware of what it takes and has all the attributes and attitude to succeed at the highest level,” Sheens said.

Meanwhile Saints have added club captain Keiron Cunningham, who retires as a player at the end of the year, to their coaching staff next season.

Cunningham will assist in the coaching of the academy while at the same time assisting with fitness and conditioning.

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