ALAN HUNTE has put emphasis on development throughout his coaching career – and that won’t change now he has taken charge of St Helens.
The 56-year-old former Saints and Great Britain back has succeeded Derek Hardman and Craig Richards, who were joint coaches.
And it’s something of a new era at the club following the retirement of key trio of players Jodie Cunningham, Emily Rudge and Zoe Harris.
For Hunte, losing those three gives the club the chance to unearth more future stars from within their own system.
“It’s exciting to be stepping back into club rugby development,” said Hunte, whose previous coaching experience includes acting as assistant, player performance manager and head of youth at Salford followed by a role within the England pathways system, serving as coach of the Under 15s and assistant for the Under 16s.
“It’s been a major part of my coaching career, whether at club level with Salford, through junior rugby with the RFL or in the international game.
“I’m hoping to progress the team and the players. I do not doubt that every player wants to become the best version of themselves, both individually and as part of a team.
“We know that established players eventually move on, and that creates opportunities for others. I want to create an environment that brings both competition and opportunity.
“That isn’t just for young players. It’s something that should exist every week. Everyone wants to be playing regularly, and we need an environment where players are pushed to improve and earn their place.
“Above all, I want it to be an enjoyable environment. Sport is too demanding not to enjoy it.”
As a player, Hunte scored 189 tries in 244 appearances for Saints between 1989 and 1997, winning the Premiership, Super League and Challenge Cup.
In more recent years, he has remained involved in the game as part of the commentary team for BBC Radio Merseyside and has also worked with the RFL as part of the operational rules tribunal since 2021.
