Hull KR sign Willie Poching

Hull KR have confirmed that Willie Poching will be joining the club as assistant coach in 2015.

Currently assistant to Tony Smith at Warrington Wolves, Poching has signed a one-year deal to assist new Rovers coach Chris Chester.

“It’s a very different challenge but one that I’m very excited about to help a new coach and come to a club that’s really ambitious off the field as well as on the pitch,” said the 41-year-old.

“I’ve known Chris for a while and I was excited when we had a chat. It was an easy conversation to have and I like his ideas and his philosophies with what he’s trying to do here.

“Hopefully I can have a positive influence and pass on some of my experience to him, as well as learning from Chris himself and the players.

“There’s some guys in this squad who have been around the block for a while and there’s some young players really looking to make a mark, so it’s a good mix and they’ll have a say as well.”

Chris Chester added: “Willie has learnt his trade under some very good coaches at some very successful clubs so we’re looking forward to what he will bring to Hull KR.

“He is very well thought of within the game and he’s got a lot of experience as both a player and a coach, so the input he will have into the culture at the club will be invaluable.

“I’ve known him since he first came over to the Super League with Wakefield and he has never lost his enthusiasm for rugby league. He’s a great person to have around the squad and he’ll have a big part to play in what we are trying to achieve here.”