LOIS FORSELL has confirmed a new-look coaching set up at Leeds, with former men’s assistant coach Barry Eaton returning to the Rhinos and Richard Tillotson joining from Huddersfield’s women’s set-up.
The duo replace former assistants Laura Wilson, who has left to spend more time with her family, and Leon Crick, who was interim coach last season whilst Forsell was on maternity leave and then supported the coaching staff on match days.
Eaton was Brian McDermott’s assistant at Leeds between 2012 and 2018 and has been coach of Keighley and Hunslet in the Championship, whole former Dewsbury player Tillotson spent some time in union before switching back to League to join Huddersfield.
“I knew pretty early on last year that Laura was going to be stepping back from her role and Leon had come back temporarily to support the team,” explained Forsell.
“Laura coached on the P2P (pathway to performance) programmes and had been my assistant coach for the last two seasons. She was fantastic for the club and I am grateful for all the work she put in.
“Last year we welcomed Barry in a consultancy role, when Leon stepped back, and I am delighted he has agreed to come on board in a more permanent role.
“He’s been there and done it and won many trophies with the men’s team. He has been a coach in the Championship so it’s great that we can get someone of his experience to be part of the set-up.
“Rich has been brilliant and like a breath of fresh air. He’s hard working, committed and passionate and knows his detail.
“The girls have enjoyed having him around because he is so keen and when you are training late on an evening, it is good to have someone with that level of energy.”