Championship Talk: Credit where it's due

CHAMPIONSHIP TALK

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Although this blog is devoted to Featherstone Rovers it is always good to read opinions about matters relevant to us, but not specifically about us. We hope you enjoy reading Gareth's column each week.

Credit where it’s due

Ryan Carr’s appointment as an assistant at Leeds Rhinos this week was a relative rarity in rugby league - a Championship coach being handed a Super League opportunity.

       

But is that starting to change?

       

Carr’s move across to the Rhinos is tied in with the two clubs’ dual registration agreement, and will see his role as Rovers head coach unaffected.

       

But it is also undoubtedly recognition for the work he has done at Featherstone this year, pulling together a squad at short notice that is well placed to make a Grand Final push.

       

Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “As a club we are proud of our record of helping young coaches with their development.

       

“We have a strong backroom team with Chev Walker continuing to assist Richard (Agar) on a full time basis and Rob Burrow and Jonny Wainhouse doing a great job with the under-19s.

       

“I look forward to seeing Ryan too flourish in our environment.”

       

Not since Daryl Powell was appointed at Castleford six years ago has a Championship coach been handed a head Super League coaching role.

       

In fact in the summer era, there has only been five of those - the others being Peter Roe (Featherstone to Wakefield), Paul Cullen (Whitehaven to Warrington), Daryl Van de Velde (Huddersfield to Warrington) and Ian Millward (Leigh to both St Helens and Castleford).

       

But the tide does seem to be turning.

       

Carr’s work has been recognised and York coach James Ford has been extensively linked with the Hull KR job after the work he has done steering the Knights into play-off contention the first season after promotion.

       

And Richard Marshall’s considerable achievements at Halifax were taken into account when he was recently appointed assistant coach at Super League leaders St Helens.

       

One person who knows all about coaching at both levels is Salford boss Ian Watson, who says those in the Championship should be given more credit.

       

“That is a really good grounding school for people,” Watson said.

       

“You have to deal with a lot of things that can come up again in Super League.

       

“I’ve got the utmost respect for anyone who plays or coaches in the Championship because I’ve been there and seen how dedicated you have to be.

       

“People can be up at 6am to go to work, go into training at 6pm and do some weights or knock holes in each other, get home at 11pm and then repeat the cycle all over again.

       

“There are some good British coaches in there who would do good jobs in Super League.”