Rick Stone has been appointed head coach at the Newcastle Knights for two years.
Stone made way for Wayne Bennett under the Tinkler ownership years, and will take over at the end of this season.
“We are pleased to announce Rick Stone will be our new head coach commencing in season 2015,” CEO Matt Gidley said.
“Rick has a thorough knowledge of our Club and the community, which are qualities we felt important in the head coach position.
“We look forward to Rick continuing to focus his energies on our current NRL team, and also our NSW Cup team as they move towards the finals later in the year.”
Stone who’s coached the Knights in 54 games after taking the reigns in 2009, says he’s learnt plenty under Bennett.
“It’s great to get another chance to coach the Knights because it’s not often you get a second opportunity to coach at the same Club,” Stone said.
“We have some exciting times ahead with some great young juniors coming through this year and some more talent not too far away from playing NRL.
“We still have plenty to look forward to this season. Our NRL team recorded two great wins at home against the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm, our Under 20s are leading the competition while our NSW Cup team have surged over the last few weeks to be in fifth position.”
