Former Bradford star Langley follows in father's footsteps with Leeds role

Jamie Langley has followed in his father's footsteps by playing a role at Leeds Rhinos as he has started work as the club's new assistant coach.

Former Bradford Bulls star Langley - who also had spells at Hull Kingston Rovers and Sheffield Eagles - is the son of John Langley, who played 240 games for Leeds. It means that the 40-year-old is back in rugby league, having switched codes to join Sale Sharks as a coach in 2021. His next assignment is to work with Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur and fellow assistant coach Scott Grix - with Chev Walker in a newly created role as transitional coach, working with players moving from academy and reserves into the first-team squad.

Reflecting on starting the new role, Langley said: “It's been a bit of a whirlwind, trying to remember names and getting used to the facilities. It's an unbelievable club, Leeds, with the history and the squad that they have put together this year are a really talented outfit.

READ MORE: DVLA warns drivers do not 'remove winter coats' in cold snap rules

READ MORE: Gary Neville's The Man Behind the Curtain Leeds restaurant shuts down with debts over £1m

"My dad played here in the great Leeds teams of the late 60s and early 70s. He had a great time here and he loved it. It was part time back then so a bit different but he managed to get a couple of Wembley appearances. Every now and again when I'd ask him he'd dust off his old medals and show us. But he's pretty humble and he keeps it to himself."

In a statement to announce the news, he said: "I am really looking forward to coming back to rugby league after a very enjoyable time with Sale Sharks in rugby union. It was a great experience, and I had the opportunity to work with world class players and coaches as well. Now felt like the right time to come back to rugby league as it was an unbelievable opportunity to come to a club like Leeds.”

Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease said: “We have done a lot of work behind the scenes to secure the right person to join our backroom team and Jamie certainly fits that bill. Brad was keen to reshape our coaching pathway with a vital new position of a transition coach, which is common in the NRL. Chev is perfectly skilled to do that role having successfully coached the academy team a number of years ago and having gone through that journey himself in his early years at the club. With Jamie joining Chev and Scott to assist Brad, it really strengthens our coaching team.

“Adam Magretton has also become our Head of Strength and Conditioning having been part of our backroom team for the last few years, he took charge in the latter stages of last year and has earned his promotion.”

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel