Andrew Patmore named NSW Women’s Origin coach 2019
New NSW Women’s Origin coach Andrew Patmore is ready to continue what predecessor Ben Cross started — beating Queensland.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NEW NSW Women’s Origin coach Andrew Patmore has been involved in rugby league a long time as a player, coach and administrator.
But it was only about seven months ago that he achieved a career highlight.
“Working last year with Ben Cross (with the NSW women’s team) was outstanding and gave me a fair insight into (the side),” Patmore said.
“I’ve been involved with footy a long, long time and it was one of the best nights of footy I’ve ever had.”
MORE FROM SWOOP
GOOD FIT: Netballer Taylah-made for Giants
FITNESS: Bassett tracking for World Cup
Patmore has a big task of continuing what his predecessor started.
Cross’s move to the rival state as an assistant to Anthony Seibold at the Brisbane Broncos late last year allowed Patmore to step into the role, but a legacy remains.
When Cross first became Blues coach 2016, the team was on a 17-year losing run in the then-interstate challenge. That changed under his watch with the NSW Women now victorious three years running, including last year’s historic first official State of Origin win.
“It’s always tough when you take over a side that’s won the previous year I suppose,” Patmore said.
“He did a great job. The culture in the group and the way he set it up and the connection with being an ex-Origin player as well.
“Having been there last year I think is a massive advantage to me. [To continue winning is about] keeping that momentum but also making sure we keep looking forward, we can’t rest on that.”
Patmore played 55 first grade games during the 1990s, 51 for Canterbury and it’s there that the bulk of his coaching has been done. He’s worked with the club’s under-19s, under-20s and reserve grade teams as well as having coached the Junior Kangaroos. He is currently head of pathways for the Bulldogs.
While it is his first women’s coaching role, he has been involved in the women’s game behind the scenes when he and Raelene Castle ensured the club’s involvement in Tarsha Gale and the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
Last year’s Origin thriller, which was won by an Isabelle Kelly try in the dying stages, cemented women’s rugby league in Australia’s sports landscape. Patmore says there’s more to come and players will have to fight to be part of it.
“That women’s comp last year has shown the girls another level, week in, week out,” he said.
“The game is rapidly changing and it’s going to evolve quick as we go. This year’s game is going to be different again.
“The competition for spots is going to increase as well, so no one can rest on their laurels and say I was there last year. There are no automatics.”
Originally published as Andrew Patmore named NSW Women’s Origin coach 2019
Ranked: Who should really be named SA’s top sporting hero?
We’ve named the top 100 athletes, teams and sporting icons from South Australia. But did we get it right? Rate our full list here.
Matildas loss rugby’s gain as teens help Aussies end long Sevens drought
Grit, a fighting spirit and a pair of young guns - including one that was touted as a future Matilda - have helped Australia end a seven-year-long drought in rugby sevens.