Arthur Kitinas resigns as AFRL Head Coach: 16th October 2008

The AFRL announced today that Head Coach of two years Arthur Kitinas has handed in his resignation due to family and business commitments. The news is very disappointing for the AFRL with the Australian Fijians senior team inaugural tour of the UK only six weeks away but the AFRL has confirmed that despite the hiccups this has caused with the tour numbers, along with the obvious coaching hole that has been left also, that the tour will still go ahead. The AFRL however respects Arthur’s decision and wishes him luck with what he does in the future.
 
AFRL Chairman James Pickering and fellow board member Steve Driscoll will take control of the team on an interim basis whilst on tour with a new coach to be appointed when the team returns and after the new board is voted in at the next AGM. The team will be co-coached by Driscoll and Pickering and depending on what roles James Pickering has to fulfill as AFRL Chairman this may see Driscoll take the reigns on game day. Former Workington and Hull FC Coach Peter Walsh will assist the team on tour and they will also be supported by trainers Darren Jones (Sydney Roosters) and Dave Mcillhenny (South Sydney Rabbitohs).
 
The AFRL admits this is not an ideal situation but with the extensive knowledge that Steve and James have of our players and of the game and the conditions in England we feel the team will be in safe hands. The AFRL did confirm that they made a last minute play for former Dragons and American Tomahawks coach Shane Millard (father of Daryl and Ryan Millard) but due to the short notice he was unable to commit. Millard however does look the favourite to get the nod next year should he apply along with victorious U/16’s coach Joel Greig. Greig had already ruled himself out of the tour months ago due to a delayed honeymoon he and his wife had planned.
 
“It would have been nice to get Shane on board for the tour as James and I was expected to do most of the PR stuff while we were over there.” said Driscoll.
 
“We’ll just have to pick up the ball and run with this one. I just want James to enjoy his time in Workington when he is inducted into their hall of fame. The big man is going to be in high demand over there and I don’t want him to worry about the team as he should be enjoying all the things that are being put on for him.”

 
The AFRL did however get confirmation today that they will take on Rochdale Hornets at a date to be settled on between Dec 4 and Dec 7 depending on Spotland Stadiums availability.
 
The AFRL depart for the UK on Tue Nov 25 and return Dec 17.