Cowboys grand finalist rejoins club

A former Cowboys player who appeared in the 2005 grand final has returned to the club. Find out what he had to say about coming back to his old NRL team.

Former Capras Coach David Faiumu has joined the Cowboys as an assistant to NRLW coach Ricky Henry.

Former Cowboys player and New Zealand international David Faiumu has rejoined his beloved club to assist countryman Ricky Henry in coaching the NRLW side.

Faiumu played 76 games for North Queensland including the club’s first grand final in 2005 when Todd Payten’s Wests Tigers won one of the most storied grand finals of the modern era.

Now the two grand final combatants will join forces at the Cowboys as coaches.

He said it was a special feeling returning to his old club.

“I’ve been there as a visitor over the last few years but to actually be part of the staff is surreal and something I’m very grateful for,” Faiumu said.

“I’m grateful to Anita (Creenaune) and Reibs (Jeff Reibel) and all the coaching staff who have allowed me to come back on board.”

David Faiumu played 10 matches for New Zealand and one for Samoa, and after finishing in the NRL he went on to make 162 appearances in England.

Faiumu has spent the last two years assisting NRLW head coach Henry in his former role at the Kiwi Ferns, helping steer the ladies from across the ditch to a famous 12-6 victory over Australia during last year’s Pacific Championships.

Before that, he was head coach of the Central Queensland Capras in the Queensland Cup.

“I’ve spent some time with Rick (Henry) going back to 2016. I worked alongside Rick in New Zealand Maori teams and then the Kiwi Ferns for last year’s series and the World Cup, so we’ve done a few tours together,” Faiumu said.

“We’re aligned with what we want and our visions are quite similar in terms of the women’s program and what we want to do here.

“He understands my strengths and vice versa. I think there’s a bit of a connection there with us two and we seem to work well together.

David Faiumu will also take on a role at Kirwan State High School as a programs co-ordinator and in youth wellbeing.

“First of all we need to sort our defence out. Our statistics weren’t too good there but it’s a clean state now and we just want to work with the girls that we’ve got.

“There’s tonnes of improvement in all areas of the field, both sides of the ball.”

The incoming assistant coach said he was excited to welcome marquee recruit Jakiya Whitfeld to the NRLW squad.

“I’ve coached against her so I know what she brings to the table and she’s a pure athlete,

“I can’t wait to do some work with her, she’s a great addition to the squad and she’ll bring plenty of positives to the group.”

Jakiya Whitfeld playing for the Prime Minister's XIII. Picture: NRL Imagery

Faiumu played 10 matches for New Zealand and one for Samoa, and after finishing in the NRL he went on to make 162 appearances in England.

He will also take on a role at Kirwan State High School as a programs co-ordinator and in youth wellbeing.

Cowboys head of NRLW and women’s elite pathways Anita Creenaune said it was fantastic to welcome a former player back to the club.

“David’s experience as a player, coaching resume and importantly, knowledge of our club and what we stand for, made him a clear top candidate to complete our coaching staff.,” Creenaune said.

“All our coaching staff, including David, have made enormous sacrifices, uprooting their lives and in some cases leaving their family behind to be a part of our club and help guide our NRLW players.

“We believe we have assembled a staff who will give us the best opportunity to perform on the field and also to guide our players in their off-field lives.”

Originally published as Cowboys grand finalist rejoins club