Powell returns to London Broncos

Former London Broncos head coach Rob Powell has returned to the club as Head of Youth.

Powell, 34, was appointed to the top job in November 2010 and won four of his first five games in charge, including memorable wins at Leeds and St Helens.

But he tasted victory in Super League only five times after then, and eventually departed in July 2012.

He now returns to the club following the departure of Darren Higgins, who will take up a post in Talent Development with Castleford.

Powell said: “It’s exciting times. You can tell by what Joey is trying to do that things are moving back in the right direction again. It fitted in with me to take a role back at the club. I’ve always been involved in both the development and player pathway as well as the performance elements, so although it’s a different role here, I have spent time developing players at various ages and working with players in schools and clubs.

“I think it’s such an important part of the club and it’s really important we get it right. The experience the players, parents and community clubs have in contact with us is important and if we provide a positive and professional environment where development takes place there is more chance of progression up the ladder towards the first team, which is what it’s about.”

His role will focus around the club’s scholarship training programme and oversee the development of the junior players around London. He will also work with local clubs to identify players for the Broncos programmes and assist with development sessions for clubs and community coaches.