Brett Kimmorley is confident in his ability to lead New South Wales back to glory, declaring his interest in taking charge of the Sky Blues for the 2025 State of Origin campaign.
Currently at the helm of the Wests Tigers in the NRLW, Kimmorley previously served as an assistant coach to outgoing Sky Blues head coach Kylie Hilder during the 2024 State of Origin series.
On Thursday, Kimmorley expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity for the vacant representative coaching position, stating he is eager to learn that it has become available.
Hilder confirmed her departure from the head coach role after a successful four-year tenure.
The 48-year-old led the team through a significant period of development in women’s rugby league; however, after suffering consecutive defeats in the Origin series, she felt “it was time for a change.”
With the women’s Origin series scheduled to run from May 1 to May 29, there’s potential for NRLW coaches to fulfil both club and representative responsibilities.
“With Kylie stepping down, there’s an opportunity for someone, and I think it would be really exciting,” Kimmorley mentioned.
“I’ve been coaching in various capacities for 14 years since I retired, so I possess the necessary knowledge—not just from being a player, but also by experiencing multiple roles at different clubs, which helps me understand diverse perspectives on coaching.”
“Being part of the team this year was both enjoyable and invigorating.”
“While my role was to support someone else, leading and creating something of my own would be incredibly special.”
“I understand there’s a position available, and I believe it would be an outstanding opportunity.”
Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley prior to a match. Getty
Having donned the NSW jersey 10 times during his playing career, Kimmorley identified the key issues he would address should he secure the role.
“Understanding what it truly means to represent your teammates, your own self, and your state in such an elite competition is fundamental,” he asserted.
“It’s been quite a while since we’ve celebrated a victory from a NSW perspective, so my interest would be immense.
“I grasp the essence of all this and the electrifying experience that Origin brings.
“I’d be eager to restore New South Wales to success.”
Kezie Apps chatting with Tigers head coach Brett Kimmorley. Getty
Before his comments on Thursday, Kimmorley received encouragement from Tigers club captain Kezie Apps.
“We want the best person in the role,” Apps asserted to NRL.com.
“It doesn’t matter if they are male or female; we seek someone with passion who can extract the best from us within a short timeframe.”
“[Kimmorley] would be excellent for the position, yet I hope he remains with the Tigers, so if he could juggle both, that would be quite impressive.”
“I’m unsure about the logistics of how that would work out.”
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson also voiced his support for Kimmorley, expressing confidence in his capacity to manage both roles.
“From the club’s perspective, we would wholeheartedly support Noddy if he were approached,” he remarked.
“We’re fully behind him taking on that job.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
