SIMON TAKES THE REIGNS


Port Kembla today named Craig Simon as the club's First Grade Captain-Coach for the 2004 Tooheys League season. With the departure of Luke Goodwin from the coaching ranks, The Blacks have been keen to sign their new coach and saw Craig Simon as the perfect replacement.

Simon moves to the senior coaching position after two years playing with Port in which time he has helped the club into the semi finals of the local competition for the past two seasons, as well as representing the Illawarra Divisional side on both occasions. He has also figured prominently in Player's Player voting over the past two seasons, and is well respected by the players and the Port Kembla Rugby League community in general.

Craig's record speaks for itself:
                    50 ARL/NRL First Grade Games (Steelers, Souths, Canberra)
                    UK - Gateshead, Hull
                    31 First Grade games for Port Kembla
                    Illawarra Divisional Representative 2002/03 (6 games)
                    Coaching - Port Kembla U/14's (runners up - 2002)
                                        - Port Kembla U/15's (Premiers - 2003)

The reserve grade and Under 18's coaching positions are expected to be resolved within the next fortnight. Craig Sullivan has departed from the Reserve Grade coaching position, while Brian Hetherington and Gerry Sozio are still contemplating their options for 2004.

The Blacks will be out to improve on their 2003 performances which saw the club confirm their return to semi final football the year previous.