By Martin Morgan

Published at 11:04, Thursday, 29 December 2011

EX-WHITEHAVEN skipper Leroy Joe has joined the coaching team at leading amateur club Wath Brow Hornets.

IN CHARGE: Former Haven star Leroy Joe in action for Wath Brow, where he is now coaching

The vastly-respected Kiwi, who left Haven at the end of the 2010 season after 13 years at the Recre, later joining the Hornets as a player, will be in joint charge with club stalwarts Mark Troughton and Dave Pettitt.

They replace Ian Rooney and Ian Rudd, who stepped down after steering the club to National Conference success over recent seasons.

“We have every confidence in these lads coming through and being fantastic coaches,” Rooney said. “They all lead from the front and have fantastic attributes.

“Leroy will take more of a role on Saturdays, and in some of the sessions, and will still play, when he sees fit.

“Coaching is new for him but he’s a special lad. When Leroy talks you tend to listen.”

Pettitt, one of Wath Brow’s outstanding forwards, will also still have an on-field role while Troughton will focus on coaching.

Rudd and Rooney have pledged to still help out where needed and have put together a plan to steer the Hornets through pre-season and the opening six matches of the campaign.

“We’ve said we won’t walk away, but obviously we will have less influence,” added Rooney.

The club have also promoted from within on the second-team front. Neil Gregg, assisted by Jonty Moore, will take charge of their Cumberland League side.

Wath Brow voted for the switch to a summer season next year, and while backing the move, Rooney reckons the amateur sport’s transition may not prove entirely smooth.

“I understand the pitfalls, but I want as many people as possible playing rugby league.” he said. “All of our youth and future players are already playing in the summer.”

Pre-season training starts at 6pm on January 10 at Cleator Moor Astroturf.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk