Rugby league legend Sean Long has his first job as a head coach, tasked with guiding Featherstone Rovers into the Betfred Super League.
In a surprise appointment, ambitious Rovers have put their faith in the iconic Great Britain and St Helens scrum-half to succeed Brian McDermott, who resigned last week after falling short in his promotion bid.
“Being a head coach is a big deal,” said Long, winner of five Challenge Cups, four Grand Finals, and most recently assistant coach at Leeds Rhinos.
“I do get a bit nervous thinking about it, and asking if I’m ready for it.
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“But I’ve been an assistant coach since 2011 which is a long time and I’ve felt in the last couple of years that I was ready for a step up. This feels perfect and I’m really blessed.”
The 46-year old Long left his role at beaten Grand Finalists Leeds last week, and is currently part of the France coaching team for the upcoming World Cup.
A three-time Lance Todd Trophy winner and 2000 Man of Steel, Long has also worked as assistant coach at St Helens, Salford, Samoa and Harlequins rugby union.
He admits he is excited about being able to take full control of how a team plays.
“When I have been an assistant for a long time I have had ideas and wanted to implement things but have not had the chance.
“Now I get the chance to play my way, attack my way and coach my way.
“I’ve learned a lot from Richard Agar, Justin Holbrook and Trent Robinson. There are some clever blokes out there. I’m always learning and I always want to learn.”
Featherstone set their sights on reaching Super League this year, but despite leading the table in the early part of the season they fell well off the pace being set by champions Leigh and ultimately slumped to a shock home defeat by Batley in the playoff semi-finals.
McDermott resigned after that, with even the most decorated coach in the Super League era unable to help Featherstone make the final push to the top flight.
So now Long gets his big chance, with former London boss Danny Ward having also been in the running. The league legend has signed a one-year contract, with promotion again Rovers’ only goal.
“It’s my job to get us into Super League. To win every game - I don’t like losing.
“I never want to finish second in my life. I want to win trophies and get into Super League so will be working my hardest with the players and the staff to do that.
“If I can improve each player ten per cent then we will be on our way.”
The appointment may represent Long’s first head coaching role, but he did spend time at Post Office Road nine years ago, coaching Featherstone on a consultancy basis following the departure of Daryl Powell.
“Once you have been to Fev and seen the culture, the fans and the DNA of the town, it is in you a little bit,” Long adds.
“It fits and has come at a good time. I’ve felt ready for a few years now but have not had the chance.”
As a player, Long was a magician.
A brilliant, off-the-cuff playmaker with a wand of a left boot that kicked teams to death. He has promised to get Rovers playing the same entertaining brand of rugby league, but what will he be like as a head coach?
“I don’t know to be honest, that is the unknown to me.
“I’m pretty laid back as long as people are doing their job. You want to get the best out of players and get them on board.
“I want the fans behind the team, to play a good brand of rugby, and get us all back together as one for next season.”
Long will join up with Rovers after the end of France’s involvement at this autumn’s World Cup.
