I'm sure Scully would bring a lot to the club. But like you, I think it could be a case of to much to soon for him and Wigan were he to get the assistants role with his current lack of experience. A less senior role of just being part of the coaching team would be far more appropriate IMO.

It might be the case that Lenegan plans to go down the RU route, and have a myriad of different coaches for different area's of the game. It's not something we've seen in RL yet to my knowledge. But that's not to stay it's because it's a bad idea, but rather club's just haven't taken a punt on it yet.

if Wane has been appointed head coach and has requested Sculthorpe then i dont see a problem

If he's requested Sculthorpe as his number 2, and Sculthorpe has as little experience as we suspect, then it puts a questionmark against Wane's judgement.

That could be a problem.

I wouldn'y say that yet. You have to start somewhere don't you? Scully has been working at the Saints academy for a few years now, although in what capacity I don't know. He has lots of potential as a coach looking at the attributes he had as a player.

I suppose we can't judge him at a job he hasn't even done before. It was similar when IL took Madge on really as that was a bit out of the blue. Yes Madge has served a top drawer apprenticeship but there were no guarentees that it would work out as well as it has. Looking back it was an inspired appointment. One thing we do know is that IL will do his due dilligence at it won't be a decision taken lightly

Wane at 1 and Scully at 2, you'd not get much dissent within camp with those as your bosses.

Substitute Sculthorpes name for Farrell and most people on here would be creaming themselveds.

Ideal no 2 for me - been there, seen it and done it - would command respect from players and as far as I can see was the ultimate pro with a great work ethic.

All the above competencies fit perfrectly with the Wigan I know under Lenegan.

You don't have to be the worlds greatest coach to be a no 2 - wot u need is the ability to contribute, challenge and communicate - Scully fits the bill imo

Scully and communicate in the same sentence, he sounds like the Eagle off the muppet show.

But Maguire had served six years under Craig Bellamy.

Surely that was less of a risk than someone who has worked 'in some capacity' in the Saints Academy?

This as il written all over it, wigan 2 announce assistant coach b4 main mans been chosen

Like you i heard about this some time ago, it may have come via yourself, i cant remember. I quite like the idea as it doesn't need a big change just a few new ideas, and I think an Australian assistant would want to make a name for him self and look at changing whats in place (John Dorahay ((sp)) style)

He's only being appointed assistant though so that means serving six years under someone else.

It's not as much as a risk as when Saints appointed as HEAD coach, a guy who had no club coaching experience whatsoever and was known only for being the best ever player for their most hated rivals....one year, one SL title....

I remember this rumour about Sculthorpe circulating over a year ago. At the time I thought that it was strange, and still do, as he has no real experience and I dont really see what he can offer as things stand. I couldnt really care less about his Saints history as in my opinion the club should appoint the best person for the job regardless of that. I am just not sure if Sculthorpe is that person. However there is no smoke without fire and the fact this rumour has come around again makes me think there must be something in it.

If Wane is to take the head coach job then I would dearly like some current NRL input into the coaching staff to keep up to date with all the latest training methods and tactics. For me a combination of Wane and Sculthorpe leaves us in a danger of stagnating and not going forward.

What ! ? Scully cant even talk properley, he's a gobe, tell him to jog off ! we dont need nor want the stains *$£!&

If he was a wigan legend no one would have any issues it is the fact he played for Saints that is the problem for some - he is as qualified as Rads or Farrell for example and not many would have an issue if they got the no 2 job

Sculthorpe would be an astute person to have on board, level headed, well respected vastly experienced on the playing field who I think would have no problem at all transfering it to the training field or the dressing room.

Probably a nasty case of chinese rumours though.

I think that it would be a good idea. I'm sure that Rads will be appointed as assistant for definate - whats wrong with having more than one assistant.

If id have seen this thread earlier I'd have asked him - he was in my neighbours garden the other day

Hasn't Rads said that he's not interested in the coaching aspect? He's Team Manager at the minute and I'm sure I read that he's happy with that role

What has to be said here is that people need to forget the Saints vs Wigan bickering and remember 1 thing and 1 thing only. Sculthorpe is an intelligent RL legend.

He knows the game inside out and this "lack of fresh thinking" is rubbish! Who better to know what should be done on a RL field than one of the most revered and successful players to ever play the sport!

He may not be a Wiganer and he may never have played for us but to say he would offer nothing to the team is frankly ludicrous.

*properly. I mean come on, if you are going to mock someone for speaking improperly at least avoid spelling errors!

Scully will follow the money and opportunity. He's an Oldham lad, no loyalties to Saints so far as I know. I've no idea what he has actually been doing at Saints since he retired, regardless of the title he was given. He has mentioned a wish to coach in the past so presumably he's been offered an opportunity to do so. He's been working with young players for some time, runs his summer schools and such like. Has his badges. I've spent half a day with him on a girls rugby taster day and seen him interact with young people and he does well with it.

Not bothered about him leaving Saints myself. Some Saints fans are bothered though but I'm more interested in the talent we have coming through than the talent we had but has now moved on.

He also said "jog off" but I don't know if thats some new youngsters way of saying it so I left it (I'm only 22 myself but you never know ey?)

Hula - It would be improper of me to comment.

classy post

If he takes the job I'd wish him all the best. He was a great player for us but for whatever reason there doesn't seem to be a role available for him on the coaching staff at Saints and people need to earn a living.

it puzzles me why wane would express an opinion on sculthorpe as a coach ? are they drinking buddies ? played in different eras , different teams, sculthorpe no real coaching experience. It all seems a bit random to me ...