The line-up of the coaches was expected to be different at Eels headquarters, and that chain of events has started – with Melbourne Storm U20’s coach Dean Pay, a former Eels player, to leave the club at season’s end and take up an assistant coaching position at the Eels in 2013.
Pay, who has been at the Storm for the last 2 seasons, took the Storm to 4th in 2011, leading to their winning of the Club Championship – with Melbourne Storm General Manager of Football Operations disappointed to see him go, but understanding of Pay’s desire to take the next step in coaching.
“Whilst extremely disappointed to lose Dean we totally understand his reasons for accepting the role at Parramatta with long-time friend Ricky Stuart,†Ponissi said.
“Dean leaves with our blessing and best wishes and we look forward to finishing the season with Dean on a high both with his 20s and with his match day role with the NRL squad.â€
The Storm have quickly signed Pay’s replacement however, with former Mackay Cutters coach Anthony Seibold to be the Storm’s new U20’s coach, for the next two seasons.