James Szymik said; this is the formailsation of a role Steve has been doing for the club. I'm really please Steve has decided to continue his journey with the club. I through my work with the RFL and other governing bodies will help Steve to create a path

Steve Jones has agreed to take up the new role of Head of Coaches with immediate effect.

Steve will oversea all coaching within the club, working with our coaching group to ensure that there is a clear pathway of development for both players and coaches at the Sussex Merlin's.

He will report to Director of Sport James Szymik and will focus on the ensuring that our systems and processes are consistent across the club.This will ensure that when a player or coach changes age group that they can slot in immediately with familiar terms, plays and set up.

With all coaches now reporting directly to Steve we will see a consistency in how we approach our match days. The appointment will also give us a clearer view of the requirements of the coaches, players and parents along with a ensuring that the clubs expectations are clearly cascaded and understood.

Steve will continue with his roll as coach of the under 15's for the remainder of 2015 before handing over to James McCauley for 2016.