The Wests Tigers are apparently working on a 2005 Grand Final reunion after hiring new assistant coaches and head coaches for their NSW Cup teams.
Following the departure of former NSW Cup coach Wayne Lambkin from the club in September of this year, a new assistant and NSW Cup coach has been hired.
One of the most experienced coaches in rugby league, Lambkin joined the Wests Tigers in 2019, taking over as the club’s Jersey Flegg coach before moving to work for the reserve-grade side in 2022.
His arrival to the Tigers came after he carved a successful coaching path at Westfield Sports High School for two decades, being the head coach of the North Sydney Bears NSW Cup team from 2006 to 2015 and helping guide the Manly Sea Eagles to the U20s title in 2017.
To replace him, the Wests Tigers have reportedly signed Aaron Payne to take on the role of head coach for their NSW Cup team, the Western Suburbs Magpies, and will work under Benji Marshall as an assistant coach at the club, per News Corp.
The former Cowboys icon, who appeared in 219 games for the club, mainly as a hooker between 2002-12, was terminated from his previous job earlier this year.
Payne’s arrival at the Tigers will see him join fellow 2005 Grand Finalists Benji Marshall (head coach), Robbie Farah (assistant coach) and Chris Heighington (assistant coach).
From the South Sydney Rabbitohs, John Morris will also join the coaching team for the next season and serve as an assistant coach.
