Tim Sheens committed to Combined Nations All Stars despite return to NRL

Tim Sheens remains committed to overseeing the Combined Nations All Stars match against England this month despite securing a return to the NRL.

The 70-year-old former Australia national team coach, who was working in England for the last six years, has been appointed as head of football performance at his old Wests Tigers club.

The Sydney club say the appointment is effective immediately but a Rugby Football League spokesman confirmed it will have no impact on Sheens’ availability for the mid-season international at Warrington on June 25.

Sheens, who remains the longest-serving coach in Wests Tigers history and guided the club to its maiden Premiership in 2005, will work alongside head coach Michael Maguire, the former Wigan boss, in the newly-created, wide-ranging role.

Sheens said: “I am very much looking forward to returning to Wests Tigers as the new head of football performance.

“This role is extremely exciting as it allows me to work and utilise my experience, especially around pathways, development and talent identification.”

Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis said: “Tim is revered as part of Wests Tigers’ history and his appointment in this new role will make him a rich part of our future.”

Sheens, who also coached Penrith and North Queensland in the NRL, was appointed as Salford’s director of rugby in 2015 before coaching Hull KR from 2017-19 and had a brief spell at Widnes in 2020.

Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.