Dolphins confirm Kristian Woolf appointment
Current St Helens boss Kristian Woolf has been appointed as assistant coach of Dolphins in the NRL from the 2023 campaign on a long-term deal.
He will work under head coach Wayne Bennett for their inaugural season in the NRL.
Woolf, 47, will join the Dolphins at the conclusion of Tonga’s World Cup commitments in November.
“Kristian has done his time as both an assistant and a head coach and done everything right to deserve this opportunity,” said head coach Bennett.
“He has been an assistant at a couple of different NRL clubs. He has been a head coach in the Queensland Cup, and has had a lot of success coaching in England over the last few years.
“Kristian has done the deal to bring his family home to Queensland. I am certain he is going to be a great asset to the Dolphins and is next in line as head coach of the club.”
Dolphins fight off interest for Kristian Woolf
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said it was no secret that Woolf had significant interest from other NRL clubs as a head coach.
“There is no doubt that gaining Woolf’s signature is a significant coup for the Dolphins,” said Reader.
“He has produced success wherever he goes and that has made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in rugby league.
“He is also a Queenslander, so understands the proud history and the importance of the success of the Dolphins.
“Bringing him together with Wayne Bennett gives confidence to the players we have signed to be part of our first season, and those that are considering coming to the club.
“It also gives the Dolphins great stability and a long-term plan for our coaching ranks and underlines our board’s designated model of building a club for the future, not just 2023.”
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