Brett Delaney: Leeds Rhinos legend joins York City Knights coaching staff

The 36-year-old Australian played for Rhinos from 2010-2018 and retired two years ago after a brief spell with Featherstone Rovers.

The four-time Grand Final winner assisted ex-Leeds boss Brian McDermott - who is now in charge of Featherstone Rovers - at Oldham last season and has coached in Rhinos’ youth system.

“I won plenty of trophies and while that doesn’t have anything to do with coaching, it does come with a winning mentality,” Delaney said of his playing career.

“Coaching-wise, I went through the scholarship and academy season at Leeds.

“I can’t thank [Rhinos under-16s coach] Mark Butterill enough, he helped me a lot as coaching is totally different to playing.

“When I retired, I fell out of love with rugby league a bit, but I got that buzz back when I got involved with the scholarship there.

“I worked with Chev [Walker] in the academy and in the reserves with Rob [Burrow] until it got cancelled.

“I fell back in love with it there and realised I have something to give as a coach. I had 17 years playing, I like to think I can give some of those years back and I’ve really enjoyed that transition.”

Of York, he added: “It’s run like a Super League club – and I truly believe this club will reach Super League in the future. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

“I haven’t come here just to be an assistant and be happy to stay in the Championship - I’ve come here to win and to be in Super League.”

Knights’ head-coach James Ford said: “Brett has played at the highest level and in the conversations we have had it’s clear that he will have a massive impact on the defensive side of our preparations.

“I think he will have a really positive impact on us.”

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