James Webster to remain at Hull KR next season
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 10/09/16 2:45pm
Hull KR head of rugby Jamie Peacock has confirmed that interim coach James Webster will have a role under new boss Tim Sheens.
The 65-year-old Sheens, who this time last year was still Australia's national coach, is quitting his role of director of rugby at Salford at the end of the season to take the reins at Rovers.
Webster has been in temporary charge since the first month of the season when the club parted company with Chris Chester and, despite a second successive appearance in the Qualifiers, will stay on as an assistant to Sheens when he takes up a three-year contract from November.
"I'd like to pay tribute to James Webster who has done a fantastic job for the club this season in difficult circumstances," said Peacock.
"He always knew he'd be in charge for this year only - there's always been clarity about that - but he will take up a role as part of Tim's backroom staff for next season."
Whether Rovers will still be in Super League by then could become clearer on Sunday, when they take on London Broncos in the fifth round of the Qualifiers.
The game is of such importance that Peacock has come out of retirement at the age of 38 and Broncos coach Andrew Henderson is hoping to ruin his big day.
"It's a huge game for both sides," said Henderson. "Currently, Hull KR sit fourth in the table and we're fifth. Should things stay as they are, we'd be facing each other once again in the Million Pound Game for that coveted Super League place.
"However, there are lots of variables between now and then and differing results could obviously change the outcomes. That doesn't diminish the fact that an extra two points would be very beneficial to either side.
"We both have a lot to fight for and I'm expecting a tough contest."
London Broncos: Andy Ackers, Will Barthau, Eddie Battye, Jack Bussey, James Cunningham, Israel Eliab, Matt Garside, Daniel Harrison, Ben Hellewell, Mark Ioane, Elliot Kear, Iliess Macani, Jon Magrin, Mark Offerdahl, Nick Slyney, Jamie Soward, Jamie Thackray, Alex Walker, Rhys Williams.
Hull KR: Mitch Allgood, Terry Campese, Chris Clarkson, Ben Cockayne, Kieran Dixon, James Donaldson, James Greenwood, Graeme Horne, Will Jubb, Kevin Larroyer, Shaun Lunt, Josh Mantellato, Matty Marsh, Thomas Minns, Jamie Peacock, Iain Thornley, Dane Tilse, Adam Walker, Joe Wardill.