Crarey returns to rugby league coaching
Last updated 12:51, Thursday, 24 July 2008
Ex-Whitehaven coach Paul Crarey is to return to the game to take charge of a combined Cumbria team – five months after stepping down from the Recre hotseat over major health worries.
Crarey will lead Cumbria in to a prestigious new tournament, the Carnegie Floodlit Nines, in front of an expected bumper crowd at Headingley on Wednesday, August 27.
And Workington Town coach Dave Rotheram warmly welcomed the concept.
The competition winners pocket £5,000 and Cumbria will line up against six Super League clubs, including world champs Leeds Rhinos, plus a Fiji national side, the British Army and hosts Leeds Carnegie.
“I love rugby league and it was a big shock for me to go out of it,” said Crarey, who says his health is much improved following his break from the game.
“I’ve had a rest and it has put a lot of things in to perspective. The likes of Bradford and Hull are taking part in the Nines, and their players have probably been together for a long time, playing at a high level.
“We will go down there to enjoy the evening. We’ll probably take a young side and there will be no pressure on anyone.”
The tournament will be held three days after the end of the regular National League season and four days before the Challenge Cup final. The National League play-offs start 11 days later on September 7.
Rotheram said: “It’s a great opportunity for our players to play in a big stadium in what will be a great night of rugby league.
“It will be fantastic for everyone involved. Paul will pick his squad, but we will make all our Cumbrian lads available to him.”
Haven boss Ged Stokes, however, has concerns, as his squad is likely to be preparing for the NL1 play-offs at that time.
