Netherlands RL appoint new coach.
After a disappointing European 'B' / World Cup qualifying campaign the Netherlands are already planning for the future by appointing current Hemel Stags Head Coach Troy Perkins as the national team co-ordinator.
Karin van Dorp, Secretary of the NNRLB, reflects on the first three years of RL in Holland.
"Defeats at home to Russia and away to Georgia have made the NNRLB sit up and take notice of how quickly the game is developing in the smaller European nations.
We need stability in the coaching platform and in appointing Troy we believe we have a coach that can push the game forward.
After Keith Davies and Alex Smit, we were left to compete in the World Cup with General Manager Ian Thompson and captain Aaron de Jager looking after the team. What we have now is a very experienced guy to look after the on-field activaties.
Troy took Coventry Bears to the British National League 3 title and is currently with Hemel Stags and once again has produced a side that plays good Rugby League; the Stags are currently unbeaten in NL3 this year.
We believe that Troy can take the game in the Netherlands to a higher level and when he arrives in the country on 14th June we plan to sit down and discuss a format that will improve the whole structure of the NNRLB."
The Dutch meet Serbia in Rotterdam on June 17th in their remaining World Cup pre-qualifying fixture which will serve as a springboard for the next phase of development.
The choice of Troy Perkins stretches farther than the national team with recent visits by Wigan St Patricks Under 11s beginning a plan to introduce Rugby League to all age groups in Holland.
"Troy will also be in charge of helping promote the game and assist in developing players and coaches on the ground here in the Netherlands."
Two years ago Troy spent time in Belgrade helping the Serbian team develop and with this 18 month contract, the NNRLB hope that the former under 19 Australian international can help mould the players in Holland to become a more competitive nation.
After a disappointing European 'B' / World Cup qualifying campaign the Netherlands are already planning for the future by appointing current Hemel Stags Head Coach Troy Perkins as the national team co-ordinator.
Karin van Dorp, Secretary of the NNRLB, reflects on the first three years of RL in Holland.
"Defeats at home to Russia and away to Georgia have made the NNRLB sit up and take notice of how quickly the game is developing in the smaller European nations.
We need stability in the coaching platform and in appointing Troy we believe we have a coach that can push the game forward.
After Keith Davies and Alex Smit, we were left to compete in the World Cup with General Manager Ian Thompson and captain Aaron de Jager looking after the team. What we have now is a very experienced guy to look after the on-field activaties.
Troy took Coventry Bears to the British National League 3 title and is currently with Hemel Stags and once again has produced a side that plays good Rugby League; the Stags are currently unbeaten in NL3 this year.
We believe that Troy can take the game in the Netherlands to a higher level and when he arrives in the country on 14th June we plan to sit down and discuss a format that will improve the whole structure of the NNRLB."
The Dutch meet Serbia in Rotterdam on June 17th in their remaining World Cup pre-qualifying fixture which will serve as a springboard for the next phase of development.
The choice of Troy Perkins stretches farther than the national team with recent visits by Wigan St Patricks Under 11s beginning a plan to introduce Rugby League to all age groups in Holland.
"Troy will also be in charge of helping promote the game and assist in developing players and coaches on the ground here in the Netherlands."
Two years ago Troy spent time in Belgrade helping the Serbian team develop and with this 18 month contract, the NNRLB hope that the former under 19 Australian international can help mould the players in Holland to become a more competitive nation.
