Beau Robinson will return to his hometown in 2018 to take up a coaching position with the Dubbo Kangaroos.
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The former Wallaby has accepted an as-yet unspecified role with the side as the Roos restructure their entire coaching set-up to make a premiership tilt across all grades.
Vince Gordon will be the coaching co-ordinator, while former players Teddy Bates, Benn Wright and Simon Murphy will all work in with Robinson. Dean Matthews will be the first grade manager.
Gordon said the recruitment of Robinson would have widespread benefits for the Roos, not just through his knowledge, but also player motivation and recruitment.
“Beau’s been away overseas for a couple of years but he’s coming back to Dubbo and will be part of our coaching team,” Gordon said.
“We believe he will attract some players who want to work with him, whether they are new players to the club, players who have been taking a break or even those who had retired but might fancy another run.
“Beau isn’t back in Dubbo yet so we haven’t had the chance to sit down with him and discuss his specific role but that will happen soon.”
However Gordon appeared to pour cold water on any hopes of Robinson running out onto No.1 Oval wearing Roos colours.
“I don’t believe so,” Gordon said when asked if Robinson would play any games.
“He has retired, he’s had a few injuries. It’s not something we have discussed with him,” he said.
Robinson’s recruitment and the coaching restructure were part of a plan to ensure the Roos were among the frontrunners in the new-look Blowes Clothing Cup.
Gordon said he was expecting the top tier to be very strong and didn’t want his team to fall behind.
“We are aiming to get all grades onto the same page and improve the overall performance of the club. We think having one strategy and one pattern of play will be a benefit to the club,” he said.
The roos will also nominate an open ladies sevens team for 2018, with the assistance of highly-regarded sevens coach Keiran Smith.
Gordon said coaching appointments would be finalised in early-2018.