Red Sharks get new coach for 2012

Seven years ago after undergoing a ACL Reconstruction surgery, Romeo Monteith pondered what his life would be without playing rugby for 8 months. Never one to stay away from the footie, he took on the role as coach for the ambitious Red Sharks team. He has held that position ever since, sticking to coaching his local club and developing rugby league around Jamaica, rather than playing the game he loves.

After 7 seasons at the helm, Monteith has stepped aside as head coach and handed the reins to Otis Brae, who acted as assistant coach between 2007-2010. Brae started his new position in January and is currently putting the Sharkies through their pre season routine. For Monteith, the decision to step aside was easy, he said:

" I believe in continuity, I have been leading this team for a while now and its time to take a step back and give a chance to someone else. Otis loves coaching and will be great leader to the team. We have been restructuring the club over the past two years with a new and vibrant board, and I think the club has a great future in rugby league. I was never about winning trophies, I have always believed in teaching our players how to play rugby league, along the way we have been to 6 grand finals from 7, and although we lost 5, I believe the systems we have put together at the Red Sharks, have made for better players and even better people. We have never been blessed with the most physically talented and brutish players, but they have always been eager to learn and try new things, for me, that's what made my time as head coach so rewarding. "

The Red Sharks will attempt to defend their  Grand Finals trophy when the JRLA's season kicks off the end of May.