Michael Monaghan leaves Wakefield

Wakefield have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Michael Monaghan.

The 38-year-old joined Trinity ahead of the 2018 season to take on the role of being Chris Chester’s assistant coach after leaving a similar position at Catalans Dragons.

Monaghan has decided to move back home to Australia due after spending seven years in the UK and France.

He said: “I have loved my time here at Wakefield, I am sad to be leaving but my wife has been offered a job over in Australia.

“We sat down as a family and we realised that it would be the perfect time to return home.

“It is weird, if you had asked me at the start of the season if I would be staying at Wakefield for the next few seasons then I would have jumped at the chance but circumstances change. I will miss it here in England, I have had a fantastic career here.

“Wakefield are a great club and everyone has been amazing. It has been a real eye opener for me, to have been at Warrington and Catalans who can bring in any player and who have big grounds to come to Wakefield and see what an exceptional job the coaching staff, players and the club as a whole do is fantastic to see and it is great to see that the competition now takes notice of this.”

Wakefield head coach Chris Chester commented: “It has been a pleasure working with Michael Monaghan over the last 12 months.

“He has added a lot of expertise following his successful playing and coaching career in the Super League.

“Myself, the rest of the staff and playing group have learnt a lot off Mick during his time here at Wakefield, he has been a great guy to work with and will be missed. We wish Michael and his young family all the best in their new chapter back home in Australia.”