Wigan role “what dreams are made of” says Lee Briers

An excited Lee Briers said becoming assistant coach at a club like Wigan are what dreams are made of.

The St Helens-born half-back started his career with his hometown club, before making the switch to the Wolves in 1997. 

Briers also spent time in France with Carcassonne to gain valuable first team experience before his move to Warrington.

He recently brought the curtain down on a 24-year career at Warrington – 16 as a player and eight as a coac – and has been appointed as assistant coach at Wigan under newly-appointed head coach Matt Peet.

Lee Briers excited

“I’m really excited for the challenge – it’s what dreams are made of,” said Briers. 

“Wigan is a massive rugby league club in anybody’s eyes so to be asked to come and coach here is special.

“I’m really looking forward to working alongside the staff here. We’re all focused on one thing and that’s making Wigan attractive winners again. We’re on the same wavelength, we’re all aligned and we’re looking forward to the job.”

The club also confirmed that Shaun Wane will return to the DW Stadium as leadership and management director, while former Wigan skipper Sean O’Loughlin will continue as the assistant coach.

“I’m really excited about it,” said O’Loughlin, who made 459 appearances for the Warriors over a 19-year stint.

“I learned a lot last year, but this is a top quality coaching team and, hopefully, I can improve and move forward this year with them. 

“I saw what Matt did so well with the academy and how he has progressed since. He’s been a coaching mentor to me and I’ve already learned a lot from him. He’s always looking to improve coaching, learning from other organisations, people and players.”

Meanwhile, Wigan have confirmed that John Winder’s contract as assistant coach ends in 2021. He will take up a senior role with the club’s partner company Competence Development.