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Chris Chester named Wakefield coach

Wakefield have appointed former Hull KR coach Chris Chester has head coach, replacing outgoing Australian Brian Smith.

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Source: AAP


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Chris Chester has been appointed head coach of Wakefield, just three weeks after leaving his role at Hull KR.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Wakefield, has been named as the successor to Australian Brian Smith and will take charge immediately, preparing the team for Friday's visit to Hull.

The Wildcats have also announced that vastly experienced coach John Kear will return to the club to work alongside Chester as head of rugby from 2017.

Kear, who guided Sheffield Eagles and Hull to Challenge Cup glory, is currently head coach of Championship club Batley.

"I am delighted to get Chris on board and look forward to him taking this club forward," said Wakefield chairman Michael Carter.

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Chester, who guided Rovers to the 2015 Challenge Cup final in his first full season in charge at the KC Lightstream Stadium, was stood down following their 14-12 home defeat by Wakefield on February 21 and formally left the club a week later.

"I am delighted to become head coach of Wakefield Wildcats, especially as it is my home-town club and a club with a lot of traditions," the former Halifax, Wigan, Hull and Hull KR forward said.

"I have been stood on these terraces as a young kid and I am really proud that I now get to coach this great team."

Chester has since been replaced at Hull KR by James Webster, who was head coach of Wakefield this time last year.

Webster's successor Smith quit the Wildcats eight days ago, only five games into the season and after just nine months in charge, and subsequently claimed costs at the club were "cut to the bone".

Carter is hoping the appointment of Kear will help stabilise the club, although he will see out the remainder of the season with the Bulldogs before taking up the reins at Belle Vue.


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