Departing Dragons coach Nathan Brown has secured his Rugby League coaching future, finalising a deal with UK Super League side Huddersfield and edging out well credentialed rivals Steve Folkes and Royce Simmons for the 2009 gig.
Brown, pushed aside at the Dragons after a 6 year stint, has signed on for 3 years with the Giants.
Huddersfield already has strong NRL links, with former Wests Tigers captain Brett Hodgson onboard for 2009, and the likes of other former Tigers such as John Skandalis, Paul Whatuira and Shane Elford all play under the Giants banner.
Sources close to Brown initially suggested he may be after an assistant coaching position within the NRL ranks, as he wanted to remain settled with his young family.
But eventually the chance at another head coaching position proved too tempting.
“I have always said I wanted to be a career coach and this is a good opportunity for me to continue as a head coach,” Brown said.
“Huddersfield will be a new challenge for me and an exciting adventure for my family in the UK.
“It is nice to have my future sorted but I am 100 per cent committed to the Dragons season and will be continuing to guide the players towards the finals and hopefully beyond.”
Brown has been on the lookout for a job ever since the Dragons announced in April that longtime Brisbane mentor Wayne Bennett would be taking over at the club from next season.
Folkes, who was told his contract would not be renewed by the Bulldogs earlier this year, and Tigers assistant coach Simmons, were the other contenders for the job.
Congratulations Brownie that’s great news, couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke!Hope you get the support & respect you deserve, sad to see you go but in my eyes you’ll always be a Dragon. Good luck to you & your family in England,hope to see you back at the Dragons in the future, thanks for everything!