Gibson joins Rams Backroom

Dewsbury Rams head coach Glenn Morrison has appointed former Leeds, Halifax and Wales star Damian Gibson as his assistant coach.

Gibson joins the Rams following three years on the coaching staff at Leeds Rhinos, where he has served as under-18s and under-20s head coach.

The 37-year-old former utility back has also spent two years as a coach with the Welsh national team, having previously represented the nation as a player.

After arriving on these shores following a spell with North Queensland Cowboys in Australia, the Queenslander was named Player of the Year in his first season at Leeds Rhinos and went on to play for Halifax, Salford and Sheffield.

‘Gibbo’ links up with head coach Glenn Morrison and second assistant Marcus St Hilaire on a one-year deal, and the Rams boss says he’s delighted to have got his man.

“I’m really excited to have him on board. It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to bring such a talented and knowledgeable young coach to the Rams,” said Morrison.

“He has plenty of experience from working with the UK’s most successful club and he’ll bring a winning mentality along with a lot of good ideas.

“I’ve known him for years and he’s someone who’s on the same wavelength as me. We share the same philosophy on a lot of things, but at the same time he’ll bring something fresh to the table that will improve what we do.”

Morrison also hopes to count on Gibson’s in-depth knowledge of the British game, acquired from 15 years as a player and coach on these shores.

“He coached Aaron Brown at Leeds, knows a few of the young players we’ve brought in, and he’s also played at Championship level, so he’s familiar with quite a lot of the boys in our team.

“He can certainly help me out with the visits to a lot of the Championship grounds I haven’t been to before, and that will be very valuable.

“But overall, Gibbo is a great coach, who really knows his stuff, and we can’t wait to take on next year’s challenges together.”