New coaching role’s a privilege says Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan

The 38-year-old, who had a testimonial game last weekend, spent 20 years in Rhinos’ first-team squad before retiring at the end of last season.

A one-club man, he won seven Grand Finals, three World Club titles and the Challenge Cup during 421 appearances for Leeds.

“It is a tremendous honour and a brilliant opportunity,” he said of his new job.

“I don’t take it for granted. I think when a lot of players finish they move on into a different walk of life so I am really privileged to still be at the coal face with the boys.

“That’s where I get the most sense of gratification and most fulfilment and ultimately it comes down to Leeds being successful.

“I was privileged to be part of a very successful era and I want to see that continue.”

Jones-Buchanan will now be issuing orders to friends he was playing alongside only four months ago.

Moving from poacher to gamekeeper is never easy, but he insisted he doesn’t anticipate any issues.

“I think my age helps with that,” he said.

“Look at our captain, Stevie Ward – I was his first coach when he came to Leeds, I coached him in the under-16s as a 15-year-old.

“I have got a lot of love and respect from Wardy and a great friendship as well.

“If he is the example, the cornerstone, the rest of them are all in line so I’ve no challenges in that regard.”

Despite his experience with Rhinos’ scholarship, Jones-Buchanan accepts he is jumping in at the deep end.

“I have loads to learn,” he admitted. “Rich Agar [Rhinos’ coach] is a good teacher and I am pleased he is giving me opportunities.”

Rhinos have been without a full-time assistant-coach since James Lowes left the club last April.

James Webster will continue as a part-time assistant to Agar, alongside his main role in charge of Featherstone Rovers.

Chev Walker is now Rhinos’ academy coach, replacing Rob Burrow who has moved up to the reserves.