Norths Devils coach Mark Gliddon scores assistant role for the USA’s World Cup campaign

A LONG-DISTANCE phone call has catapulted North Devils coach Mark Gliddon into the USA’s rugby league World Cup campaign.

Mark Gliddon. Picture: Marc Robertson

NORTHS Devils coach Mark Gliddon reckons it was the best $100 he has ever spent.

A long-distance phone call to former British Test star Brian McDermott has catapulted Gliddon into the assistant coach’s role for the USA’s World Cup campaign in October.

McDermott will take charge of the Americans at the World Cup and had initially appointed former NSW Origin halfback Brett Kimmorley as his right-hand man.

But Kimmorley was forced to withdraw following the death of his wife, opening the door for an international coaching gig Gliddon never envisaged.

Born in London, Gliddon has lived in Brisbane since the age of six and while he doesn’t claim to be the next Wayne Bennett, the 48-year-old hopes he can bring a winning edge to the US.

Brisbane North's Mark Gliddon has been appointed as assistant coach for the USA. Picture: Marc Robertson

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Gliddon said.

“Brett Kimmorley got the gig ahead of me, which is fair enough, but when Brett’s wife sadly passed away, he pulled out and they asked if I’d be interested.

“About two weeks ago, I had a missed call from Brian (McDermott).

“I rang him back and we spoke for 45 minutes about football and it turned into an offer to help the American side. The call probably cost me about 100 bucks … it’s the best money I’ve ever spent.”

A likeable knockabout with a salt-of-the-earth humility, Gliddon is making waves at the Devils.

He has steered the club into sixth place after nine rounds this season and will chalk up his 100th game as coach in Norths’ next Intrust Super Cup clash against the Tigers.

Gliddon admits he has no burning desire to coach in the NRL.

But with the USA to face PNG, Italy and Fiji in the World Cup, his knowledge of PNG Hunters players could prove crucial.

“I’ve been over to PNG several times with Norths and I know what to expect going over to Port Moresby,” he said.

“The Kumuls will have a lot of PNG Hunters guys and I know them from the Intrust Super Cup so hopefully my knowledge can help the side.

“To be honest, I’m not that ambitious. I enjoy what I do, I love rugby league, sometimes it doesn’t love me, but I love where I am now.

“I have no great ambitions or desire to be an NRL coach. But I am a big believer in the harder you work the luckier you become.

“I’ve got an opportunity to help out the Americans so I’m looking forward to it.”

Originally published as Norths Devils coach Mark Gliddon scores assistant role for the USA’s World Cup campaign