We may go home: Willie Poching could end 25-year UK stay

George Riley 13 Nov 2022 4:46 PM

Willie Poching admits he and his family are ready to head back Down Under after 25 years in British rugby league.

Poching helped Wakefield avoid relegation from Super League, guiding the club to five wins from their last seven games of the season.

But the club opted to part company with their former forward after just 13 months in his first role as a head coach.

Poching had previously been an assistant coach at Warrington, Salford and Hull KR, and is currently working as an impressive part of the World Cup commentary team.

Willie Poching opens up on his future

But the former Leeds second-rower admits the emotional drain of his shock departure from Wakefield has prompted some big discussions with his family as he searches for his next job.

“I’m looking but I’m also aware that at this time of year every team has their staff settled, and the game isn’t flush either,” Poching told the latest Love Rugby League Podcast.

“We have had some discussions and there is a possibility that we may go home.

“If a job was to come then we may reconsider – I’m going to have to find a job sometime soon and then we will make a decision on what we do next.

“If it is time to go then I’m more than proud of what we have been able to achieve on and off the field here, and what this country has given us. I’ve been over here for 25 years, 25 fantastic years.

“Would I feel ready to go? I’m not sure, sometimes you just have to take the jump. It’s a 50/50 mix at the moment of excitement and fear. We are for all intents and purposes English. We are settled here and know how everything works. So while New Zealand is home for me, and Australia is home for my wife, it is foreign now.”

Poching captained Samoa at the 2000 World Cup and will be part of the BBC coverage for their semi-final against England on Saturday.

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Willie Poching opens up on his future

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