Eels confirm NRLW coaching staff for 2023

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has announced the re-signing of head coach Dean Widders for the 2023 expanded NRLW competition.

After his side fell short in the 2022 Grand Final, the club confirmed Widders will once again take the reins in 2023, assisted by Kate Mullaly who recently worked alongside Jillaroos World Cup champion coach Brad Donald.

Sarantinos said the club has focused on committing to the staff, on a full-time basis, who have made a significant impact on Parramatta’s growing women’s program.

“We’ve extended the tenure of Dean Widders who will be our head coach again next season,” he said.

“We’ve also got Kate Parkinson and Kate Mulally who have had strong experience in women’s rugby league for many years joining the club on a full-time basis.

“They’ve been involved with our program throughout the 2021, 2022 season but they’ll be shortly joining us as full-time personnel.

“Also, Andy Patmore who’s been with the program since its inception will continue on as our NRLW Program Manager.

“So that really shows the commitment we have to develop a strong women’s program over the years to come.”

After the Eels orchestrated a stunning turnaround to their 2022 season to overcome the competition favourites and progress to the grand final, Widders' side will face new competition when the NRLW expands to 10 sides in 2023.

Sarantinos said with the expansion, the focus on local talent and female development and pathways has never been more important.

“We’re obviously going to focus on retaining players that are a key priority for us,” he said.

“But at the moment, the contracting window isn’t open…so it’s going to be really important for us that we’re identifying the key talent within our pathways.

“With the competition expanding over the next two to three years, making sure you’ve got a consistent pipeline of players coming from your own backyard is going to be critical.”