Grima believes Henderson will improve defence
London Broncoshead coach Joey Grima believes that Andrew Henderson can provide invaluable help to the team next season.
The current Sheffield Eagles hooker, 35, has been appointed as Broncos assistant coach for next season.
Grima thinks that his experience and intelligence will prove particularly useful in organising London’s defence, as well as providing useful information about the Broncos’ opponents.
“I’ve known Hendo from my days in Australia, he comes from a family of rugby league players,” Grima told his club’s official website.
“He’s a skill-based coach who has come up through a similar development pathway as myself, so we understand each other on a number of levels.
“He really understands where I want to take the club over the next two years. Having played NRL with the Wests Tigers and Super League with a couple of clubs, he’s going to give us a really good understanding of the style of play that can be adapted as well as incorporating our own style.
“In the last couple of seasons he’s played for Gateshead and Sheffield which is going to give me outstanding intel on the players we’re likely to be playing against next season.
Grima also revealed that Henderson will be assisting him with recuitment, as well as helping with defensive structure.
Henderson himself has revealed that it is partly London’s ambition which drew him to the club.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a club that is as ambitious as I am and wants to do things right to be successful,” he said.
“I’m very grateful that the club has given me this chance and I will be doing my best to assist our team in building a winning culture.
“I’m ready to coach now, and glad I’ve made this decision. It has certainly been challenging being a first-team player and trying to work with our youth teams. However, in saying that, the experience that I have gained from my time at Sheffield has given me the grounding I need to take this next step in my coach development.
“I really buy into the cultural footprint that Joey is going to implement throughout the whole club.
“We have both shared our thoughts and ideas and are singing off the same hymn sheet in what we want the club to stand for and where we want it to go.
“From a club perspective it is important that we improve and strengthen our relationships with the rugby league community of London and the South of England.
“We want these people and the fans to be proud of the London Broncos and what the club represents, and I believe there is a great opportunity to do this.”