It's been an incredibly successful journey for Jason Demetriou - and he looks to continue his development alongside one of the greatest coaching minds in Rugby League.
After leading the Illawarra Cutters to maiden Intrust Super Premiership NSW and NRL Intrust Super State Championship titles, Demetriou has been appointed assistant coach of the Brisbane Broncos for the 2017 pre-season. At one of the NRL's most successful clubs, he will work alongside Wayne Bennett with the hope of continuing his run of form that has brought him three consecutive premierships at three different clubs.
After a long playing and coaching career in England, the 40-year-old returned to Australia in 2014 as mentor of the Northern Pride, where he delivered an instant Intrust Super Cup and state championship title. Elevated to the coaching staff of the North Queensland Cowboys, Demetriou added an NRL premiership to his list of achievements in 2015 - with the Cowboys beating Bennett's Broncos in the decider - before an historic win for the Cutters this year earned him Coach Of The Year honours.
He had looked like continuing to ply his trade in Wollongong - but an opportunity to work alongside Bennett was too good to pass up.
"I am very excited for the opportunity the Broncos and Wayne have given me and I look forward to the years ahead,” Demetriou said.
“It's a very strong club, with great leaders and a great roster and I look forward to playing my role in that."
Demetriou's coaching record now speaks for itself and he was sure to catch the interest of several NRL clubs for 2017. The support of his family, however, made the move to Brisbane the right one.
“I look forward to my family settling in and making Brisbane our home," Demetriou added.
“I'd like to thank my wife Nat and my girls for supporting me and allowing me to follow this path - without their support I wouldn't be here."
