‘Top echelon of coaches’: Cowboys announce new NRLW coach

The Cowboys have unveiled Ricky Henry as their new NRLW coach just months after he helped the Kiwi Ferns stun the Jillaroos in the Pacific Championships clash in Melbourne.

Henry was going to coach the Warriors in the NSW Cup this year but will head to Townsville instead for the next three seasons.

The experienced coach will arrive north in the coming weeks where he’ll replace Ben Jeffries who will take over at the Knights as they look to win a third title in a row.

The Cowboys were one of several new teams to join the NRLW in 2023 but won just two matches to finish ninth.

“The Cowboys have a talented squad with a lot of potential and great leaders. I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting the best out of every single player, which will help this squad realise its potential,” Henry said.

“The Cowboys have a talented squad with a lot of potential and great leaders. I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting the best out of every single player, which will help this squad realise its potential,” Henry said.

“I know the squad is highly motivated and willing to work hard which are strong foundations to being successful.

“The Cowboys are a club on the rise. It has world class facilities, fantastic people, commercial support and a community that is passionate about the Cowboys all of which made this job immensely attractive.”

The Cowboys will be a lot more competitive this year after a few teething issues in their inaugural season, and Henry’s international experience as a coach will help to bring the best out of their young squad.

“We were thrilled with the calibre of coaches who applied for the role and we were flattered by their interest,” Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.

“We are delighted to have secured Ricky, who has a long and decorated history in our game. He has experience in all levels of the junior pathways systems and has now shown he is in the top echelon of coaches at the elite women’s level.

“We are excited for the contributions he will make to women’s rugby league in North Queensland, not only at NRL level, but in continuing to grow pathways in our region.”