Unheralded Sandercock named as Morgan’s Hull KR successor

The 42-year-old, who has been assistant coach at Newcastle Knights for the last two seasons after previously being with Manly Sea Eagles, will succeed Justin Morgan on a two-year contract, with the option of a third season at Craven Park.

Sandercock, a one-time economics teacher who had a brief spell at London Broncos in his playing days, got the nod ahead of former Canterbury Bulldogs head coach Kevin Moore and South Sydney assistant Kurt Wrigley.

Rovers chief executive Mike Smith, who travelled to Australia last week with chairman Neil Hudgell and vice-chairman Rob Crossland to conduct face-to-face interviews, says the club have got the right man for the job.

“We said all along that we wanted to take our time and make sure that we made the right appointment and I think we’ve done that,” he said.

“The interview procedure was incredibly thorough, which it needed to be, as we wanted to bring in the right man to take Hull Kingston Rovers forward.

“We spoke with several top-quality candidates and Craig was the outstanding one.

“He has an excellent reputation within the NRL and was highly recommended by everyone we spoke to about him.

“Craig has also shown during his time with Manly and Newcastle that he has a special talent for developing young players and that was a key element for us.

“He’s really excited about coming to Hull Kingston Rovers and can’t wait to get started.”

Sandercock, who will be taking up his first role as a head coach, said: “I am really excited about coming to Hull KR and coaching in the Super League.

“The rich history of the club, the professional way in which it’s administered, the passionate supporters and, most importantly, the prospect of coaching a talented group of players greatly appeals to me.”

For reaction to this story read Tuesday’s Yorkshire Post.