Wentworthville United: John Michael appointed Sydney Shield coach
One of the biggest rugby league junior clubs in western Sydney has a new coaching mentor on the books. Meet John Michael, Wentworthville United’s new coaching director.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of the biggest rugby league junior clubs in western Sydney has a new coaching mentor on the books with John Michael to return home to Wentworthville United for the 2022 season.
Almost 20 years ago Michael, of Merrylands, began his coaching journey when he taught under 6s the basic skills of rugby league at fields across the Parramatta area.
In recent years the coach has been part of NRL elite pathways programs as head coach of the Manly Sea Eagles Harold Matthews squad, as well as making an imprint during stints with Blacktown Workers, Cabramatta and Wentworthville Magpies’ Ron Massey Cup outfit.
Michael will now guide the future footballing direction of Wentworthville United, streamlining plays from the under 13s right through the semi-professional Sydney Shield competition in which he will hold the clipboard.
The junior club had more than 600 players and 300 officials involved across 35 teams this year.
When asked what the goal was in Shield for 2022, Michael said the premiership was always the target for a club such as Wentworthville on the proviso the team didn’t take any shortcuts.
“We are a very proud club so of course, a premiership is the goal,” he said.
Regarded as a players’ coach, Michael says his strength is his relationship with players and putting their needs first.
Wentworthville United secretary John Burns said the appointment of Michael would benefit every player and coach involved with the club.
“The appointment of John Michael is great not only for the fact of his experience and credentials, but what he brings outside of coaching,” he said.
“He has coached at the club for a number of years and been a director on the club board of the junior league, so he knows how the club is run and the structure of our pathways.
“He will help the club move together right direction and deliver programs for our U13s all the way to our opens side.
“John will ‘coach the coaches’ – helping the coaches to upskill the players to be the best they can be.”
The club has recently appointed Steve Bristow and Richie Ngawini as A-Grade coaches as the club returns to the top division in the Parramatta District.
Judy-May Peni has been announced as coach of Wentworthville United’s inaugural open women’s team.
SRU 1st Colts deep dive. Team insight, what you need to know
The Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts enter the business end of the season and we’ve done a deep dive to find new favourites, best attacking side, most erratic and other insight in our special wrap
Framed! Rugby rising stars at NSW junior champs in spotlight
Rugby’s rising stars and future Wallaroos and Wallabies were in the frame at the NSW U16, U18s junior championships. Best action photograps showcasing the sports future stars.