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Folkes takes on Windies challenge

planeteels

Juniors
Messages
1,173
Anyone think that it is safe to assume that Folkes has been told to not bother with an application :)


http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24572415-23214,00.html

Folkes takes on Windies challenge

By Dean Ritchie
October 30, 2008 FORMER Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has swapped Steedens for six-stitchers - signing a deal to become the strength and conditioning coach for the West Indies cricket team.
In a shock move, Folkes will pull stumps on his involvement with rugby league - at least temporarily - to take up the post in the Caribbean.
With no NRL and English Super League coaching jobs available, Folkes has been forced to take his knowledge of fitness to the cricketing world, agreeing to a deal that lasts until May next year.
But should the partnership with the West Indies succeed, he will be offered a contract extension that could see him return to Australia in December next year for a Test and one-day series against Ricky Ponting's side.
Folkes' tenure with the Windies will be interesting when comparing his regimented style to the quintessential laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.
The retired Canterbury premiership-winning forward's friendship with West Indies coach John Dyson - the pair were once teachers together - assisted in the negotiating process.
Folkes was Canterbury's head conditioner between 1992 and 1995 before turning his hand to coaching.
"An involvement with cricket will be new to me," Folkes said.
"Strength and conditioning programs are spread across a vast range of international sports so I'm lucky I have this qualification.
"These days there is a steady movement of coaches from one football code to another, from one country to another and even from football to an entirely different sport.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge but at the same time I intend to get back into league coaching as soon as an opening presents itself."
Folkes will leave for Abu Dhabi next week for three one-day internationals between the Windies and Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
"There was nothing available in the NRL or the English Super League," Folkes' manager John Fordham said.
"Steve wants to stay active in sport although coaching at a senior level in rugby league is still very much his priority."
Recently, Folkes was linked to the Huddersfield job secured by Nathan Brown and the vacant Parramatta position, expected to be filled by former St Helens coach Daniel Anderson.
In December, the West Indies will tour New Zealand before England go to the Caribbean in January next year.
Errol Alcott did the opposite to Folkes - he was Australian cricket's physiotherapist for 22 years before switching to become South Sydney's director of athletic performance.
"It's great for Steve but it will be challenging," Alcott said.
"They are vastly different sports in terms of requirements and philosophies.
"There will be an adjustment period for Steve. It will be an interesting and curious assignment."
Asked to pinpoint the key conditioning differences between league and cricket, Alcott said: "Rugby league is a high impact collision sport. Mini car crashes as I call it.
"In cricket you need explosive power, speed, agility and a lot of endurance."
 

bartman

Immortal
Messages
41,022
:lol:

Probably his best career move under the circumstances. He always was a fit bloke, but the generational change in league circles might have left him like Hagan without the interest or means of motivating his players.
 

Stagger eel

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
65,788
i think if you asked Folkes's honest opinion, he would prefer to stay in Australia and coach an NRL side
 

hineyrulz

Post Whore
Messages
154,216
Apparently him and Dyso go way back, be interesting to see what he does with the lazy Windies outfit.
 

Bigfella

Coach
Messages
10,102
Apparently Duane Bravo has already asked for a release over the off season to participate in a charity boxing match...
 

Stagger eel

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
65,788
Apparently Duane Bravo has already asked for a release over the off season to participate in a charity boxing match...

yeah and Marlon Samuals has done the bolt and has signed on with a French Croquate champions..Le plonk de puse!!:sarcasm:
 

bartman

Immortal
Messages
41,022
i think if you asked Folkes's honest opinion, he would prefer to stay in Australia and coach an NRL side
Beggars can't be choosers... only 16 NRL jobs to go around - 15 if you restrict it to Australia, 11 if you restrict it to NSW/ACT, and 9 if you restrict it to Sydney.
 

Bazal

Post Whore
Messages
103,536
Apparently him and Dyso go way back, be interesting to see what he does with the lazy Windies outfit.

He won't do much if their young'uns keep getting busted for drugs and/or fraternising with bookies :crazy:
 

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