When the reigning Group 6 rugby league premiers, Campbelltown City Kangaroos, start their 2018 campaign with a light training run on the evening of January 23 at Fullwood Reserve there will be a familiar figure holding the clipboard.
But no, it won’t be Liam Fulton, the Wests Tigers legend who took them all the way to the club’s first premiership since 1983.
Holding the head coach’s clipboard on January 23 will be another NRL star and former Wests Tigers player, Isaac De Gois.
After one very successful season in the job, Liam Fulton pulled the pin, citing growing family and business demands on his time.
This week the Kangaroos were able to announce that Fulton will be replaced by De Gois, a veteran of 225 NRL games with Wests Tigers, Cronulla, Parramatta and Newcastle.
Which means the astute Kangaroos front office have replaced like with like in offering the coaching gig to the former hooker.
Just like Fulton, De Gois, the former NRL hooker will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Campbelltown’s oldest rugby league club.
The club says De Gois is excited by the opportunity to coach.
“I’m keen to stay involved long term in rugby league,’’ De Gois said on his appointment as Kangaroos mentor.
“As a local junior I am looking forward to giving back to the local area by helping some youngsters come through,’’ he said.
Campbelltown City chairman John Stonham meanwhile paid tribute to Liam Fulton.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Liam steered the club to our first title in 34 years,’’ Mr Stonham said.[/social_quote]
“He was a magnificent ambassador for the club right throughout the season.
“We are sad that he won’t be around to help defend the title, but his family and business come first.
“He’ll be around the club still for a long time to come as a premiership winning coach and now an old boy.
“In saying that, we have replaced Liam with just as high a calibre candidate in Isaac De Gois, who comes with 225 games of NRL experience and has been coached by most of the NRL’s top minds.
“By bringing Liam to Campbelltown, the Kangaroos showed the local rugby league community that we are committed to bringing the newest and best coaching and training methods to benefit local players.
“Isaac certainly continues that commitment.’’
The club has also announced that it will field six teams in 2018: firsts, reserves, second division, U18s, opens ladies’ league tag and U20s ladies’ league tag.
New players are always welcome to attend Kangaroos training at Fullwood Reserve, Claymore, starting from January 23.
A very good apointment and I hope the footie supporters get behind the Roos as they try for back to back premierships like the old days
Grant Thomas
Mick Saffrett
I wonder why???
Did ya read the article
Jacob Saffrett no now
Read it and you’ll see ?
Jacob Saffrett that’s what happens . Family comes first.