Cowboys sign Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry to lead NRLW side
The Cowboys have found their replacement for Ben Jeffries as head coach of the NRLW team. Find out how the experienced New Zealander will turn around North Queensland’s fortunes.
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The Cowboys will look to the international experience of Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry to replace Ben Jeffries as head coach of the NRLW and turn around the side’s disappointing inaugural season.
Henry has signed a multi-year deal to join North Queensland and will arrive in Townsville early next month to begin preparations.
Jeffries jumped ship to take the helm of back-to-back premiership-winning Newcastle Knights after the Cowboys finished ninth, triggering the search for a replacement capable of transforming struggling sides.
Henry would have perched near the top of that hit list after transforming New Zealand’s fortunes in the women’s game.
The former Warriors assistant coach and NSW Cup head coach took the Kiwi Ferns to the Rugby League World Cup in 2022 where they were defeated 54-4 by Australia in the final.
Less than 12 months later the Kiwi Ferns defeated a full-strength Jillaroos outfit 12-6 during the Pacific Championships, beating Australia for the first time in seven years and ending an 18-game win streak for the nation.
Henry said he saw a lot of potential in the young Cowboys NRLW squad.
“The Cowboys have a talented squad with a lot of potential and great leaders. I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting the best out of every single player, which will help the squad realise its potential,” Henry said.
“I know the squad is highly motivated and willing to work hard, which are strong foundations to being successful.
“The Cowboys are a club on the rise. It has world class facilities, fantastic people, commercial support and a community that is passionate about the Cowboys – all of which made this job immensely attractive.”
The short-term future of the Cowboys gained clarity earlier in February when the club announced extensions for China Polata, Krystal Blackwell, Tahlulah Tillett and Fran Goldthorp.
It came after North Queensland extended its co-captains Kirra Dibb (through 2026) and Tallisha Harden (through 2024) as well as acquiring 2023 Dally M winger of the year Jakiya Whitfeld on a three-year deal.
Cowboys general manager of football Michael Luck said the club was looking forward to welcoming Henry into the fold.
“It’s great news to be able to agree to terms with a coach that has the pedigree and experience that Ricky does,” Luck said.
“In the last couple of years he’s shown that he’s got a really good handle on the women’s game and has led that New Zealand team through a period of transition and now to some success with beating the Jillaroos.”
Luck said the Cowboys intended to allow Henry to continue his coaching role with New Zealand.
“What we’ve always done with any of our coaches, as long as it complements what they do with our club – whether it be at NRL level, State of Origin level, representative level – we’re happy to have our staff go and develop their own careers by getting that extra experience,” Luck said.
“It becomes a benefit when you’re looking at staff and player recruitment, the more networks that we’ve got throughout the game certainly don’t hurt.
“We’ll discuss that with him when he gets over here, but certainly no intent to stand in the way of that.”
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