The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs can confirm Luke Goodwin has been appointed Head Coach of the Harvey Norman Women’s team for the 2020 season.
Goodwin, the son of St George great Ted, is a former Canterbury player himself, having spent two seasons at Belmore in 1993 and 94, playing 15 games in the blue and white.
Luke will replace Steve Kelly, who will now work alongside Canterbury Cup coach Brad Henderson as an assistant.
Since his playing days finished, Luke has immersed himself within the game in various roles, including as a development officer with the Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers in the early nineties, as well as being involved with a number of rugby league teams in various coaching roles.
He has held head coaching positions with the New Zealand Maori rugby league team, NSW Maori rugby league team, South Maori rugby league team and Director of Coaching Hela Wigmen Rugby League Team (PNG) over the past decade.
His arrival at Belmore as a former player and his wealth of experience in the coaching area will be a huge benefit for the women’s team in 2020.
“I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to be back at this great Club. Having started at the Bulldogs in the pre-season of 1993 with current GM of Football Steve Price and Head Coach Dean Pay, I’m excited to be able to continue their work in helping make this great Club a force again. The Women’s Rugby League Game has taken off over the past two to three years with increased competitions, extended pathways and record participation levels. We at the Bulldogs have recognised this and I’m pleased to say that we have secured the services of former Jillaroo player and Coach, Karen Stuart, to be the Manager our Elite Female Pathways Program. I look forward to the season ahead and continuing to develop the club’s focus on the women’s game.”
General Manager of Football Steve Price was delighted to have Goodwin on board as the Harvey Norman Women’s Coach:
“It’s great to see Luke return to the club having played here and I’m looking forward to seeing him working with our premier women’s side. His experience and knowledge is a great acquisition for the Bulldogs women’s program. He has been passionate about the pathway for the girls and having Luke involved is really important for the growth and development of the club’s focus on making the women’s program closer aligned to the men’s program.”
Pre-season has started for the women’s team in preparation for the upcoming season.
Luke Goodwin in the blue and white
