Former English Super League star Jason Demetriou has been confirmed as the new Head Coach of the Skill360 Northern Pride for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Demetriou, who is currently player-coach of UK Championship side Keighley Cougars, has signed a two-year deal in a real coup for the Cairns-based Intrust Super Cup club.

The 36-year-old Aussie, who captained English Super League side Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for five seasons from 2006-2010 and coached Keighley to a Championship 1 grand final win in his first season in charge in 2011, said he was thrilled to be joining the Pride.

“After a long playing career in the Super League and a successful start to my coaching career, I see the Pride as a great opportunity to further my development as a rugby league coach at the elite level,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Australia and working with everyone at the Pride to not only bring success for the team on the field, but also to further develop our great game throughout far north Queensland.

“I have already watched footage of the Pride in action, and I can’t wait to meet the boys to start preparing for the 2013 season.”

Demetriou will replace outgoing Pride coach David Maiden when he starts at Barlow Park on 3 October.

Pride Chief Executive Officer Chris Sheppard said it was a great day for the club to sign someone of Demetriou’s calibre.

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“I promised Pride fans at the start of this process that we would leave no stone unturned to find the best man for the job,” said Sheppard.

“This included not only looking for suitable candidates around Australia, but also expanding our search internationally.

“I have no doubt that we’ve found the best. Jason has vast experience at the very highest level in the English game, and will bring so much to our great club.

“He has played in a Challenge Cup semi-final, been voted Man of Steel for his Club on numerous occasions, made the Super League Dream Team, and has delivered immediate success to Keighley during his coaching career to date.

“He has shown quite clearly during his time at Keighley that he can develop a team and deliver success."

Sheppard said one of Demetriou’s tasks when he takes the reigns will be to work closely with local coaching talent.

“Along with developing the structure for rugby league to blossom at junior and senior playing level across the region, Jason will also use his vast experience to work closely with local coaches,” he said.

“This can only improve the whole structure and success of rugby league in far north Queensland."

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