Gene to stay on Hull KR coaching staff

Stanley Gene will remain on the Hull KR coaching staff next season, despite taking over as head coach of Championship 1 side Gateshead.

The popular Papua New Guinean worked with the club’s U19s side this season but will be part of the first team coaching staff in 2014 where he’ll work alongside Craig Sandercock and Chris Chester.

Gateshead have been partnered with Rovers this season, and several youngsters have spent time in the north east on dual-registration.

Rovers CEO Mike Smith said: “Stan has worked with our U19s this year and alongside the other coaching staff, has done a great job with those younger players. He’ll be part of our first team coaching staff in 2014, working with Craig (Sandercock) and Chris (Chester), as he continues to learn his trade as a coach.

“Taking on the role with Gateshead will help him with that and it’s a great opportunity for Stan. With the Thunder being in partnership with ourselves it’ll also help to strengthen the relationship that’s been formed over the past year.”

Meanwhile, Gene himself is looking forward to his roles with both the Robins and the Thunder in 2014.

“Both roles are challenging in different ways and I’m looking forward to taking them on,” he said. “I’m learning from Craig (Sandercock) and Chris (Chester) all the time and the challenge will be to take that knowledge into the job at Gateshead, as well as in my role with Hull KR.”