AIM OF EAGLES
RUGBY CLUB GOES BACK TO FUTURE
GOLD Coast Eagles are hoping a mixture of consistency and the return of a familiar face can propel them up the pecking order at a time when their rugby rivals are experiencing change.
The Eagles yesterday became the first Gold Coast District Rugby Union team from last season’s finals series to formally announce their coaching structure for 2019, with finalists Griffith University Colleges and Surfers Paradise both set for changes.
Jai Johnson will step up from co-coach to be the side’s sole head coach, with fellow incumbent co-coach Jason North joined by Scott Hyde in assistant roles.
Joe Faalogo, a central figure in the Eagles’ streak of seven straight grand final appearances between 2009 and 2015, is also back on deck as rugby director.
Faalogo conceded he had burnt out after taking on too much at the club, leading to him focusing on coaching his seven-year-old son Jonah’s team this year. “I stepped back and reassessed things and where my love is, and my love is footy and helping the kids here,” he said.
Faalogo will work with both seniors and juniors.
“We’ve got beautiful, keen parents who unfortunately were last coached maybe 20 years ago so skill-wise they just need a little bit of support,” he said.
Johnson believes Faalogo’s presence will also help them at first grade level.
“Joe has been there and done it all. He has won premierships as a player and won premierships as a coach,” he said.
“Having his experience, his knowledge and his calm head and guidance can only be fruitful for the entire club.”
Johnson is “excited to build on what we had from last year” and hopes the Eagles’ continuity can be an advantage. He identified improving fitness, skills and depth as focuses.
The club battled through to the play-offs in September before landing a stunning upset win over Helensvale to make the preliminary final.
The Eagles have secured Land Rover as major sponsor for the next two years.
I STEPPED BACK AND REASSESSED THINGS AND WHERE MY LOVE IS EAGLES’ JOE FAALOGO