The nib Newcastle Knights is pleased to announce the appointment of premiership-winning assistant coach James Shepherd.



The former Sydney Roosters player had been with the Cronulla Sharks since 2011, where he held the positions of NYC head coach and more recently NRL assistant coach. Additionally, he was made interim NRL coach for 10 matches in 2014.

Shepherd has also had various roles at Balmain Tigers and the Melbourne Storm, as well as headed up the rugby league program at the Northern Territory Institute of Sport.

He will replace former Knights assistant coach Kurt Wrigley, who has returned to Sydney for family reasons and will take up other opportunities outside of rugby league.

“It is great to have James on board for the 2018 season,” said coach Nathan Brown.

“His years of rugby league experience and knowledge of the game will be a great asset to the Club.

“Our players can learn a great deal from him and I am looking forward to having him on our coaching staff.”

Shepherd will complete the coaching structure for 2018 alongside Nathan Brown (NRL Head Coach), Mick Potter (NRL Assistant Coach), Simon Woolford (Reserve Grade Coach/NRL assistant coach), Todd Lowrie (Under 20s Coach), Scott Dureau (Under 18s Coach) and Rory Kostjasyn (Under 16s Coach).