New Emus coach Huxley vows to give it all he has got

PENRITH Emus Rugby Union Club — which has failed to win a single match in two years of competition — has a new coach, and he’s not afraid of the challenge ahead.

Stirling Mortlock and Julian Huxley share a laugh after both playing their final game for the Rebels.

• Former Wallaby coaching Penrith Emus
• Emus ready to fight for 2016
• Honey Badger’s sage advice for Emus
• Emus look set to take off

NEW Penrith Emus Rugby Union Club coach Julian Huxley says he has taken on the role leading the team because he expects it to be a challenge. The Emus haven’t one a single match in two seasons.

“I've been an assistant coach and it’s exciting to take on the position of a head coach’s role.’’

He said in rugby circles it was well-known that Emus would be a challenge.

The Emus failed to win a match in the Shute Shield competition last season and the previous season.

Huxley said: “The club has amazing potential and no one has been able to latch on to it, others have tried really hard.

“The challenge is whether I can do it any different or better — doing your best, I think it’s all you can do.’’

Julian Huxley makes a comeback after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour playing for the Brumby Runners v Junior Waratahs at Knox College in Sydney.

Huxley said in his experience he had overcome a few challenges.

“It’s more about giving it all you’ve got than worrying about the end result.’’

Huxley said as a former rugby player himself, he knew “the Emus play tough, hard rugby”.

“Hopefully I can put some polish into the players and keep the toughness and hurt some teams with our scores on the board.’’

Julian Huxley in action on the rugby field.

Huxley said he was not aware of the environment the team trained in previously but he had programs and plans he would be using.

“I’ve got extensive rugby experience and I’ll put on a good rugby program and hopefully there will be better rugby. We need to put in the intensity and strive for excellence but also have fun doing it.

“If you don’t have fun you will struggle to get players coming back.

“We have to provide a place where people will come. Most rugby fans are aware of the challenges the Emus face but what they also know is how tough and determined they are.

“I’m excited to take on the challenge. It’s widely known that the Penrith region is the sleeping giant of Australian Rugby. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got to make a difference.”

Rats v Penrith 1st Grade, Pittwater Rugby Park, June 4, 2016. The Rats defeated Penrith 48-0. Picture: Karen Watson

Penrith Emus president Jim Hook said last season’s coach, Jeremy Paul, had not reapplied for the position.

He said Huxley had applied and got the job and brought with him a wealth of experience from more than 10 years in Super Rugby with the Brumbies, Reds and Rebels.

“Julian has also represented Australia at both 7’s and 15’s Rugby World Cups,” he said.

“Huxley has been an assistant coach for the Sydney Rays in the National Rugby Championship for the past two years and now steps up to the head coaching position with the Emus.”

● The Penrith Emus will host a fundraising evening with Alan Jones and current Wallabies on October 14.

Jeremy Paul did not re apply to be coach of the Emus.