Rugby League: Cleary to join Roosters' coaching staff

English rugby league club Huddersfield is shocked by Ivan Cleary's decision to retire and take up a coaching job in Australia.

One of the key players in the New Zealand Warriors revival, Cleary was due to arrive in England early next year after signing a one-year contract with the Giants.

But the fullback decided instead to become assistant coach with NRL premiers Sydney City Roosters.

"This is a devastating blow to our club and one which came out of the blue," a Giants spokesman said.

"We fully expected Ivan and his family to land in the UK in early January and had championed him as being a real cornerstone signing as we head back into the Super League."

The club, which is due to announce the signing of an overseas forward on Tuesday, has no immediate target in mind to replace Cleary.

The Warriors lost to the Roosters in this year's NRL grand final.

- NZPA