World-beating Wilkinson looks to future

Feb 7 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

FORMER World Club Championship winner Stuart Wilkinson is relishing the prospect of helping to rouse sleeping giants Widnes Vikings.

Wilkinson has today been appointed head of youth performance at the Stobart Stadium Halton club.

Wilkinson was assistant coach of Leeds Rhinos when they were world club champions in 2005.

He joins Vikings from Wigan Warriors, where he was assistant to head coach Brian Noble.

Wilkinson became the Rugby Football League’s first player performance manager when he joined the Rhinos in 2001.

He went on to coach England’s Academy team before taking over as head coach of the Welsh national side.

Fitnss and training specialist Wilkinson, renowned for his skills in identifying and developing talented young players and coaches, is excited by his new role.

He said: “My knowledge of rugby league services locally, regionally and nationally is very strong and I believe I can make a valuable contribution to this new role of head of youth performance.

“There is no doubt Widnes Vikings face some big challenges in the future as they strive to secure a place in Super League.

“However, we can build on the strengths of the past while developing to meet new challenges of the future to ensure that our players and coaches can achieve their best and continue to grow.”

Vikings’ sporting director, Terry O’Connor said: “Stuart’s appointment is excellent news for the club.

“He introduced a fantastic youth development model at Leeds where 19 of their current championship squad are home-grown players.

“This is something for us to aspire to. He is a highly-qualified and respected coach, who can help strengthen our entire youth operation while also providing invaluable support to our existing coaching staff.”