Duane Monkley was yesterday confirmed as John Mitchell's assistant in an all-new coaching team for the Waikato NPC team.
The Mooloos side open their NPC campaign in Hamilton against Southland on August 14.
Mitchell (134 games) and Monkley (135), both loose forwards, played 269 matches between them in the Waikato pack.
Mitchell reckons he was always pleased to play in the same club and provincial rugby teams as Monkley rather than face his ferocious tackling.
"I'm responsible for attack as well as having an overall view of things, while Duane is responsible for set pieces and defence, although we'll both be sharing some ideas on defence," Mitchell said.
"The game's gone beyond thinking of just separate units and more about how the team functions as a whole."
Waikato B coach and former Waikato prop Craig Stevenson would act as specialist scrummaging coach and has already been working with the province's top front-rowers.
Monkley's previous position was under former Waikato coach and now Chiefs coach Ian Foster as his assistant.
Monkley said while he had limited coaching experience he spent the last 3-1/2 years as a rugby development officer for Waikato Rugby Union, a role which helped him understand the processes involved in coaching.
"I have a good handle on what is involved, having worked closely within the Waikato and Chiefs campaigns over the last few years," Monkley said.
Mitchell said the timing was right for his former teammate to move into a "more accountable" coaching role.
"Duane is very thorough in his work. He also challenges and debates a lot of ideas, which is always healthy from a coach's perspective.
"Even more importantly, Duane understands a lot of the players through his involvement with them in the past. His knowledge in this regard is very valuable for the players' future development."
The pair are working with a 42-strong training squad and will name a 29-man squad for the annual week-long pre-season training camp on Australia's Gold Coast immediately after the club grand finals day on July 31.
- NZPA
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