Newcastle Thunder have strengthened their backroom team for 2016 with the announcement of Mike Grady joining the club as assistant coach.
Grady, who has been the head coach of South Wales Scorpions for the last two years, will join existing first team coach Michael Heap under new head coach Mick Mantelli, as Thunder look to enjoy a stronger season in Kingston Press League 1.
Beginning his coaching career in 2010 with Warrington Wizards, 34 year old Grady has demonstrated himself to be a fine coach, winning a Grand Final against Huddersfield Underbank in his first year and developing local talent during his tenure at Scorpions, nurturing them into full Welsh internationals.
His efforts with the Mountain Ash based club shone above difficult results and saw Grady nominated for the Kingstone Press League 1 Coach of the Year award in 2014.
The Widnes born man joins Thunder with immediate effect and will be part of a pre season schedule that gets underway in the first week of December.
Speaking to ThunderRugby.com Grady said: “I’ve been up to the club and I just like everything about it, from the ground and the facilities to the people. There was a group of fans who came down to South Wales who were just fantastic and coming up to Thunder is something I am really looking forward to.”
“From what I’ve seen and spoken to people behind the scenes things are looking good for next year and there is plenty of potential in the playing resources. I think the club can do well and kick on from last year and it’s an exciting time.”
