Wentworthville Magpies NSW Cup Head Coach and Development Coach Joey Grima returns to the Dyldam Parramatta Eels coaching ranks ahead of the 2016 season after spending some time abroad.
Grima has a well established relationship with the Eels and years of coaching experience at the District Representative, Under 20’s and Premier League level to go along side his previous coaching experience as an assistant coach at the Cronulla Sharks and the St George-Illawarra Dragons.
“It’s great to be at my home, the place that I love,” Grima said.
“I’ve had some opportunities and grown as a coach but there’s no place like home.”
Upon his return to the Blue and Gold, Grima expressed his excitement not only about returning to the club with whom he has a nineteen year history as a player and coach, but also to have the opportunity to work a squad with plenty of potential.
“Their attitude has been excellent and their effort has been excellent,” Grima said.
“If they tick those two boxes, the third one about playing rugby league is going to become a lot easier.
“There is going to be a time where one or a number of those players will be called up. So it’s really important for Brad and his staff, that his not wasting unnecessary time to teach these players what they need to know, that’s our job.” Grima added.
Grima continued to note several positive changes around the club.
“From a resource point of view, we have a great gymnasium, a great set up with two fields, it’s a one stop shop with our medical, coaching and strength and condition departments all on the same property,” Grima said.
“A lot of new people from different programs, from different sports, so we are going to get a real cross-section and a wide variety of different coaching and training techniques.” He added.
Grima outlined one of his main focuses as NSW Cup Head Coach, working closely with Head Coach Brad Arthur and Under 20’s Head Coach Luke Burt to further increase the continuity and consistency of structures and values throughout the NRL, NYC and NSW cup squads.
“It will ensure that we’ve got a real strong second and third tier grade, where if required we’ve got that exposure and that experience to get players to play in the NRL if required.” Grima said.
“It’s really important that NSW cup is getting the credit or the recognition it deserves because there are some really, really good rugby league players in that grade.”
