O’Carroll is new coach at Thunder
EAMON O’Carroll will join Denis Betts on the Newcastle Thunder coaching staff in 2021 as he takes up the club’s head coach reins on a two-year contract.
Director of rugby Denis Betts has also agreed a new deal at Kingston Park Stadium for the same duration.
A former Ireland international, O’Carroll arrives on Tyneside from Super League’s Catalan Dragons, where he has been assistant coach to Steve McNamara since November 2018.
The 33-year-old’s coaching career began at Widnes in 2017 as assistant to Betts, when injury forced him to retire after playing 149 Super League games for the Vikings, Hull and Wigan Warriors.
Playing in two Rugby League World Cup tournaments O’Carroll earned six international caps.
He said: “I am really looking forward to starting with Thunder.
“It is all a bit manic at the moment getting packed up and ready to come back over to England, but I am excited and want to meet everyone at the club as soon as possible.
“Even before speaking to Denis I was aware of Thunder’s aspirations, as I think most people in the game are, and I am excited to be part of that.”
Betts said: “Eamon fits in to our club brilliantly.
“He has a real understanding of who we are and the fabric of our group and is someone who is willing to work hard at making the place better.
“He was my assistant at Widnes and he was a sponge who took in everything and worked hard to improve himself.
“Two years at the Dragons under Steve McNamara will only have made him better.”
Reflecting on his own new deal, Betts added: “Since joining Thunder I have had a fire in my belly and a feeling for rugby league I had not had in a while.
“I am part of something special with a great owner and chairman, a staff who have a real love for the game and a drive to make the club as successful as it can be.”
Newcastle Thunder chairman Mick Hogan said: “We are delighted to have appointed Eamon as our new head coach.
“He will be an excellent fit for the club and in helping us achieve our ambitions.
“I am equally happy Denis has agreed a new two-year contract at the same time.”