Lee Briers on biggest differences between Super League and NRL
Brisbane Broncos transition coach and ex-Wigan assistant Lee Briers has discussed the differences between the NRL and Super League following his start to life in Australia.
Briers, 44, was a special guest on Sky Sports for their coverage between Hull and Wigan in Round 11 of Super League at the MKM Stadium.
The Warrington legend made the move Down Under with his family ahead of the 2023 campaign after being approached by NRL giants Brisbane.
He left Wigan after just one season as assistant under Matt Peet, helping the side to Challenge Cup glory with a victory over Huddersfield at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Sky Sports pundits Brian Carney and Jamie Jones-Buchanan quizzed the ex-Wales international about the differences between the two competitions, with the Broncos currently sitting at the top of the NRL ladder.
Lee Briers discusses differences between NRL and Super League
Briers said: “It’s probably the defensive side. It is defence orientated and being an attack coach, it’s something I’ve got to get my head around a bit more.
“I came into the role just after Christmas and I’m there to stamp my kind of authority and my kind of philosophies and my philosophy is all about support play.
“Everything revolves around support and making sure we take energy from the opposition.”
He continued: “I think that’s the main difference, the athlete is a lot bigger and faster in Australia. It’s their national sport, so they have the first pick from the pool.
“In the UK, we probably get third behind football and rugby union. The athlete is massive over there.
“Liam Byrne from Wigan is a big middle, he’s probably an average sized back-rower in the NRL.
“It’s harder to break defences down because the athletes are so fast and so strong.”
Briers on time in Australia so far
Briers previously told Love Rugby League that he had the hopes of proving that British coaches know their rugby league and can coach at the top level.
His official title is transitions coach, and admits he has been enjoying his time Down Under so far.
He continued on Sky Sports: “It’s interesting, a different kind of game, but I’m loving it.
“We went over as a family unsure what we were going into, but we absolutely love it.
“It’s a fantastic place to be and I’m in the best place that I can be for my coaching career at the moment.
“I had a great time at Warrington, 25 years at that club and I’ve got a lot of love for that club.
“Moving onto Wigan was a fantastic year last year. I really got a lot of debt to pay for Wigan.
“I’m 10 years into coaching now and it doesn’t feel like yesterday I retired. I’ve got a lot of experience in the assistant coach role and this came out the blue to go to the Broncos. I absolutely love it there and I’m learning every day.”
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