Kimmorley named inaugural Wests Tigers NRLW coach

Brett Kimmorley's association with the Wests Tigers will continue into 2023 after he was announced as the club's inaugural NRLW coach on Friday.

Kimmorley, who replaced Michael Maguire in the NRL as interim coach in June, will return to the women's space after starting the year in charge of the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership side. 

Maguire's sacking saw Kimmorley step away from his two main roles in both player pathways and coach of the HNWP side.

While he was focused on the club's NRL side, the women's team went on to win their first state premiership in the NSW competition.

Kimmorley's next task will be to reunite many of the players from the victorious HNWP squad ahead of the club's first NRLW season.

"I loved my short time with the Harvey Norman team, and we formed a strong bond in just a month or so," Kimmorley said in a statement.

"To see the team win the premiership was a special moment for the club, and I was thrilled for them.

“Taking charge of the first-ever Wests Tigers NRLW team is an honour, and I would like to thank the club for this opportunity."

The Tigers have already been working behind the scenes to lock in some big names with injured fullback Botille Vette-Welsh and HNWP captain Emily Curtain among those on their radar.

Curtain, who missed the last NRLW season with the Titans due to a knee injury, is likely to be one of the club's inaugural signings and indicated the reality of being able to play for her local side was appealing.

“It’s huge for our sport with our local club now having an NRLW team,” she said.

“I’ve seen in just the past couple of seasons girls progressing through our pathways, but then going elsewhere to join an NRLW club. 

"All the girls really respect Noddy and learned a lot from him this year."

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said Kimmorley's appointment was crucial to the club's NRLW entry in 2023.

"Brett has shown in a short space of time with us just how capable he is," Pascoe said.

"Anyone who can take on and perform three different roles in as many months is both versatile and committed.

"He has been professional and diligent with everything asked of him during a difficult season, and we are delighted that he will lead Wests Tigers into its very first NRLW season."