Helensvale Hogs name legendary skipper Hayden McCaa as first grade coach

The Helensvale Hogs’ search for a head coach to carry the team to back-to-back first grade premierships has come to an end.

The Helensvale Hogs’ search for a head coach to carry the team to back-to-back first grade premierships has come to an end.

Premiership-winning captain and fullback Hayden McCaa has been promoted to head coach for the 2020 GCDRU season.

Helensvale Hogs captain Hayden McCaa poses with the Michael Summers Memorial Premiership Cup. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

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The Helensvale legend says he is ready to step into the enormous shoes left by outgoing coach Taione Vea, who led the club to their first title last season, as a player-coach.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and saw myself doing, just maybe further down the track,” McCaa said.

“Coming off last season we didn’t want much to change, so that makes it easier for me to pick up where we left off.

“Everyone respects everyone at the Hogs and our success stems from that.

“If we can take care of stuff off the field it will come right on the field.”

McCaa presented his case for stepping into the head coaching role at a meeting with club coaches earlier this month and was met with universal approval.

The Helensvale Hogs rugby club member Hayden McCaa. Picture: Jerad Williams

Experienced coaches, including former first grade boss Joe McIvor, were happy to support the rookie coach as he prepares the team for success from the other side of the fence.

Helensvale president Karl Wernham said McCaa was the perfect man to lead the club forward.

“Hayden being a part of our culture and set-up played a huge part in our decision,” he said.

“We wanted someone local who could continue to implement what we did last year and bring some of his own thoughts to the role.

“He’s been leading us on and off the field for years now so it seems a perfect fit him to be head coach and to keep leading the boys.

“It’s definitely a long-term appointment.”