Tigers finalize coaching structure

Yesterday Wests Tigers took another big step in implementing change at the club moving forward with the announcement of a raft of off field personnel changes heading towards the 2014 season. In the most significant appointments comes the news that Under 20's coach Todd Payten will move up to become one of Mick Potter's NRL assistants in 2014. Payten will be joined by former Melbourne and Souths hard man David Kidwell who joins on the back of 3 seasons with the Melbourne Storm.

Payten's progression to the NRL coaching ranks was a no brainer. He took over the club's under 20's in 2012, leading them to a premiership and also has the side in the finals again 2013.  Payten is highly regarded as an up and coming coach and his experience both as a player and as a coach who has worked with a significant number of our 2014 squad is seen as a strong addition to the NRL coaching staff. Coach Mick Potter labelled the appointment of Payten as a no brainer, saying “Todd has wealth of playing experience and now a couple of years of NYC coaching under his belt,” Potter said.
“This is the natural next step in his coaching progression and he will be a valuable addition to our staff at NRL level.”

Kidwell joins the club after 3 years as an assistant to Craig Bellamy in Melbourne. He also spent time prior to that as Under 20's coach at Souths.  Kidwell is expected to bring the same qualities that he instilled as a player. A real hard man with a professional attitude and commitment. I think he's a great appointment. He has no ties to the club and his experience especially down in Melbourne can only enhance the clubs potential going forward. I will be very interested to see what he brings in. Speaking on Kidwell, coach Mick Potter admitted Kidwell was a perfect for the club, stating “David will bring a hardened edge to the team and certainly has a great philosophy on Rugby League. His uncompromising approach to the game combined with his own ideas will only benefit our squad,” Potter said. “I’m confident that David is the right fit for the Club and will work with our strike players on their attacking skills.”

With Todd Payten moving up to the NRL coaching ranks, the club needed to appoint a new Under 20's coach, doing so by adding Eels 20's coach Andrew Webster. Webster had previously spent time here as an assistant 20's coach and Balmain SG Ball coach.

Further to these appointments, Wests Tigers also made some critical appointments relating to the health and fitness of the playing roster. The club has bought on Luke Portese in an official capacity to oversee the strength and conditioning of the squad. His focus will also include sport science and performance analysis. The club has also added Daniel Kerner as an assistant physio to work alongside Peter Moussa.

And finally, the club has appointed Dr David Abraham who replaces Dr Donald Kuah who will step back and work with the club's NSW Cup squad for 2014. Abraham has previously worked with the Penrith Panthers, Cricket Australia and the GWS Giants. Tigers CEO Grant Mayer hailed the additions of all above as critical to moving in the right direction, stating "In regards to our new structure, it is an exciting time for the Club and we believe that we have the right balance to nurture our more experienced players and to bring through many of the young stars seen on display in 2013.", Mayer said.

Ultimately yesterday's appointments are our club's answer to a coaching structure that sorely needed a rebirth. We appear to have moved forward with the times. Potter made reference to the need for this as early as pre season 2013. The injury toll which swept the entire club in 2013 only reinforced the need for a rethink and some serious attention to implementing change. It appears next will be an upgrade of the training facilities. The club however has yet to make any comment regarding the direction of this, other than to say that the training facilities are amongst some of the worst in the NRL.

Meanwhile the club this morning confirmed that centre Tim Simona is looking at a 6 month recovery from major shoulder surgery. Simona had pulled out of the running for a potential kiwis world cup berth to ensure the surgery was done as early as possible. Curtis Sironen is also scheduled for surgery on his groin, however he is expected to be running in time for pre season.