James Shepherd (rugby league)

James Shepherd is a former professional rugby league player in the National Rugby League in Australia. In 2014, he served briefly as the interim coach of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks rugby league team following the resignation of Peter Sharp, who was filling in for the suspended Shane Flanagan.

Teaching Career

Marist College Kogarah

Sheperd was apart of the college as a teacher of many subjects such noticeable as Physical Education (PE) and represented as coach on Rugby League MCC teams. He was there for a durable time until he resigned and moved on to pursue his NRL career.

NRL Career

Playing

Shepherd played for the Eastern Suburbs Roosters first grade team on six occasions from 1992 until 1994.

Coaching

Early Career

Shepherd joined the Wests Tigers in 2004 as coach of the Jersey Flegg (under 20's) team. He stayed there until the end of 2007. He then joined the Melbourne Storm (in 2008 and 2009) as their Recruitment Consultant. In 2011, he joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks as the Toyota Cup coach.

NRL

In 2014 he was elevated to caretaker coach of the Cronulla Sharks first grade side following the resignation of Peter Sharp. He will serve in this role until Shane Flanagan returns from his twelve-month suspension later in the season.^[1] In his first match in charge the Sharks came from 24-0 down in the first half to defeat the reigning premiers Sydney Roosters 30-28 in what was described as "One of the most incredible victories in the history of the Cronulla club - and quite possibly the NRL." They won the match despite having captain Paul Gallen and senior player Luke Lewis unavailable for selection due to State of Origin commitments and despite having terminated the contract of key playmaker Todd Carney in the week preceding the match in addition to it being Shepherd's debut.^[2]

References