Strange replaces Feeney as NRLW coach

The Sydney Roosters have appointed their fourth NRLW coach in as many seasons with John Strange to replace Jamie Feeney for the 2021 campaign.

Strange, who was an assistant to Feeney during last year's NRLW campaign, has been promoted to the head coaching role leading into a likely expanded competition this season.

Feeney guided the Roosters back to the grand final in 2020 but was unable to commit his future at the club after moving to Queensland in the off-season.

"John is integrated in our system and a strong skills-based coach who has been doing some great things in his role as the Roosters' Central Coast development manager over the last few years, and more recently in his roles as the Central Coast Roosters NSW Women's Premiership head coach and Sydney Roosters NRLW assistant coach," Roosters general manager of football programs Craig Walker said in a club statement.

"We're pleased to have secured John's services and look forward to making further announcements about our NRLW support staff in the coming months."

Strange's first task will be forming a coaching staff around him before focusing on squad retention after Feeney attracted and developed many rising players in 2020.

Boom forwards Kennedy Cherrington and Filomina Hanisi blossomed in their maiden seasons, while Quincy Dodd went to another level at hooker after starting her journey in the halves.

Strange coached the Central Coast Roosters, who act as a feeder to the NRLW side, to a title win in a shortened NSW competition prior to last year's four-week elite competition. 

Among the names in the line-up included incumbent players Hannah Southwell, Yasmin Meakes, Brydie Parker, Melanie Howard and Bobbi Law.

Retired hooker Kylie Hilder, who was alongside Strange as a Roosters' assistant coach last season, was appointed NSW coach on Tuesday.