LEE BRIERS is one of the most highly-rated up-and-coming coaches in the game.
After leaving the Warrington Wolves when new boss Daryl Powell chose not to keep the former halfback, Briers took the opportunity to join the Wigan Warriors as assistant to Matt Peet.
There, Briers earned a burgeoning reputation, helping Peet and the Warriors to Challenge Cup success before the former was once more being touted – this time overseas by the Brisbane Broncos.
Briers’ impact in Queensland was again obvious with the Broncos making it all the way to the NRL Grand Final.
For the 45-year-old, it was a risk but one he knew he had to take.
“I totally agree it was a risk, leaving the most famous club in the game. It was a huge change, especially because I hadn’t had one for so long when I was at Warrington,” Briers told the RFL website.
“I’d gone to Wigan, and suddenly was off to Australia, so it was two in a very short space of time.
“Brisbane had actually asked me the year before, but I’m good friends with Matt and wanted to work with him, and help with his first steps on the coaching ladder.
“But when the Broncos came back I also knew if I didn’t do it this time, I might never.
“I can’t thank Wigan enough for allowing me to break my contract halfway through to realise my dream, and can’t speak highly enough of them.
“Going there re-energised me, and when I am lucky enough to be a head coach I’ll take a bucketload from them over how to run a club, how to treat people, but most of all how to win.”
Briers admitted that it did take a while to get used to Australian life – from society all the way to the rugby league side of things.
He added: “It took a bit of time getting used to the Queensland way of life, which is really chilled and relaxed and it’s the same with the rugby team. In the UK it’s probably a bit more intense, which you wouldn’t think for such a premier competition. But it’s more like ‘it’ll get done, don’t worry about it.’ It’s such a different culture. Obviously 24-7 sunshine helps, but at 5 or 6am there will be about 200 people training in the gym, the coffee shops are full.
“Then there’s the rugby…in the UK you’ll have maybe 25 people training. Here there are over 40, a lot more to pick from, and all premier athletes because rugby is the main sport.
“The final was a huge disappointment, and I know we’re kind of defined by the last game, but when you break it down we made massive strides last season. Everything from the rugby, fan engagement, memberships…there were nearly 1,000 at the presentation evening. We’re still a young team, and I’ve had enough of losing Grand Finals now – that’s five.”
With Briers’ stock rising considerably already, the 45-year-old is keen to eventually become a number one: “I always had faith in my coaching ability and if it eventuates that I go on to become a head coach, it pays off. That’s eventually the target, either in Super League or the NRL.”
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