Valley Cougars

Under Cullen, the Cougars made the Conference National play-offs in their first season at that level, finishing the regular season with a more-than-respectable 50% win ratio.

Team manager Martyn Coomber said: “I would like to go on record and thank Lee once more for the effort and commitment he showed last season. He came on board at a time when the club was entering new surroundings and his understanding of the game helped us not only settle in to the Conference National but to emerge as a bit of a surprise package. Because of the work Lee did, the foundations for this season, and the next few years, are more secure.”

Cullen – a former Crusaders academy coach – has been involved in rugby league for some time and his experience enabled him not only to gel the squad together but add to it, by introducing new South Wales Scorpions signing Liam Watton to the 13-man code.

Although Cullen has the option of coaching for a second season, he has also been offered another role within Wales Rugby League, and has been granted time to make a decision on his future away from the club’s preparations for the new season.