Wests Tigers interim coach Andrew Webster wants another crack as NRL coach

ANDREW Webster may be preparing for his second and final game in charge of the Tigers but he remains hopeful it is not the last time he will coach an NRL side.

Tigers coach Andrew Webster during the round 4 NRL game between the Wests Tigers and the Melbourne Storm at Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt. Picture: Gregg Porteous

ANDREW Webster may be preparing for his second and final game in charge of the Tigers today but the interim mentor is hopeful it is not the last time he will coach an NRL side.

Ivan Cleary is expected to be appointed Tigers coach as early as Monday with Webster reverting to the assistant role.

While his future is assured at the Tigers for at least another year, Webster has signalled his intentions to once again be an NRL coach.

“Yeah down the track but I’m in no rush,” Webster said.

“When or if it comes along that would be great. The circumstances have to be right for everyone that goes from an assistant to head coach. “I’m just happy to keep learning off my peers and players and even from other codes. I’m in no rush. One day it’ll be nice.”

With a beaming smile and a sideline seat Webster made an immediate impact in his first game as coach last Sunday.

While the Tigers floundered in the second half against the Storm, Webster was encouraged by what he saw ahead of the match against the Dragons.

“Their response and performance was miles better,” Webster said.

“That’s why I was so proud of them, especially with the week we’d had. These guys are a good group of people and look after each other. They want to play good football.

Webster made his NRL coaching debut last week.

“In the circumstances it was a proud moment for me to lead the boys. I learnt a lot about the boys character.”

Webster wants a better defensive effort from his players and more pressure built against the Dragons.

He will keep his sideline seat as he eyes his first win.

“Sometimes we can complicate things as coaches,” Webster said. “We can bring plenty of energy and you can hear the way the boys are responding to each other (on the sidelines).

“It’s a good opportunity to speak to your bench personally and you can look them in the eye and see the way they are feeling.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers interim coach Andrew Webster wants another crack as NRL coach