The RFL has confirmed that Tim Sheens will complete his coaching duties with the Combined Nations All Stars, who will face England on 25 June at Warrington, before returning to Australia to undertake a new role with the NRL’s Wests Tigers.
Sheens, 70, a former Wests Tigers premiership-winning coach, will return to the club as its new head of football performance.
He guided the Tigers to their 2005 Grand Final win and his new role will see him overseeing recruitment, pathways, football administration and club culture.
But he won’t take up that new role until after 25 June.
“Tim has kept us fully informed about the offer he has received from Wests Tigers but he is committed to completing his duties with the All Stars before then,” said a RFL spokesman.
Meanwhile the Tigers are delighted to welcome Sheens back to the club from which he parted in 2013.
“Tim is revered as part of Wests Tigers’ history and his appointment in this new role will make him a rich part of our future,” said Wests Tigers Chair Lee Hagipantelis.
“In the history of the game, very few have enjoyed Tim’s experience and gravitas and what he will be able to bring to Wests Tigers will greatly enhance the club and create opportunities to be the best that we can be.”
Sheens has also coached NSW and Australia, with 31 matches as Kangaroos coach.
More recently he coached Salford Red Devils, Hull Kingston Rovers and Widnes Vikings.
“It’s very pleasing to welcome Tim back to Wests Tigers and see him formally involved with the club again,” Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said.
“Tim knows what it means to be Wests Tigers and has played a major role in shaping all aspects of this club — both on and off the field — to what it is today.
“Having Tim take on this new role will significantly strengthen our football department as a whole. We firmly believe that adding Tim’s experience, knowledge and insight into the game of rugby league will be of huge benefit to Wests Tigers in ensuring sustainability in all aspects of the organisation.”
