‘Commitment to excellence’: Nathan Cross unveiled as new Dragons NRLW coach

The Dragons have settled on Jamie Soward’s replacement, with a member of the Queensland women’s Origin coaching staff to take over the NRLW team next year.

The Dragons have moved swiftly to replace former coach Jamie Soward, with Nathan Cross to take over the NRLW side and oversee coaching pathways across the men’s and women’s programs within the club.

Soward spent four seasons with the Dragons and took them to the grand final in his first year in charge, but he was told midway through the 2024 campaign that he wouldn’t return next year.

The Red V won two of their nine games last season to finish ninth but can now enjoy a fresh start under Cross who boasts 17 years of coaching experience.

Cross has been an assistant coach of the Queensland women’s Origin side for the past two years, while he was also an assistant with the Maroons under-19s men’s Origin side in 2023.

Taking over the reins 🐉

Welcome to the #RedV - https://t.co/SxeRZhNAo0pic.twitter.com/3NtziUuLWk

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) October 24, 2024

“The appointment of Nathan Cross as NRLW head coach is extremely exciting,” Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said.

“His commitment to excellence and player development aligns perfectly with our club’s values and goals.”

His experience in pathways will be handy given the Steelers won this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership title, as well as the Tarsha Gale decider where young gun Kasey Reh skippered the side.

“Nathan brings with him not only a wealth of rugby league knowledge but a great ability to tailor that to our female rugby league players,” Dragons female football manager Sam Bremner said.

“His aspirations for the team and club align perfectly with what we are working towards for this club and his philosophies around women’s rugby league instils a lot of confidence that he will not only help the team perform at the highest level, both individually and as a team, but also give them a great experience at the club whilst doing so.”

Originally published as ‘Commitment to excellence’: Nathan Cross unveiled as new Dragons NRLW coach