Former Leeds Rhinos half-back Matt Frawley has taken on an NRL coaching role following his Headingley exit.
Frawley retired at the end of the 2025 season after being released without the offer of a new deal by the Rhinos. In truth, last season was a tough one for the 30-year-old, who made just six appearances for the Rhinos before being allowed to join Huddersfield Giants on loan.
He made another eight outings for the Giants and helped them pick up four wins over the middle period of the season. However, following the expiry of his deal at Headingley, he made the decision to hang up his boots and he will now step into a career of coaching after taking up a role with Canberra Raiders.
Frawley spent four seasons with Canberra, his hometown club, as a player and he has returned to the club to work within the club’s youth programme. He will work on a part-time basis as a pathways coach, assisting the club’s Harold Matthews and SG Ball Programme alongside the academy.
He’ll be joined at the Raiders by former State of Origin man Dale Finucane and ex-Australia rugby union star Matt Giteau.
Ex-Leeds Rhinos man takes up NRL coaching role
“It’s a bit of a full circle moment, especially coming back to the junior reps,” Frawley told the club. “Coming through the grades playing u16’s and u18’s, to be back as a coach is pretty crazy but really happy to be here,”
“I think the whole program has come leaps and bounds. To have the likes of Dale and Matt, and the current coaches that are here is awesome for the kids and a good thing for the club.”
Frawley started his career with Canberra but signed with Canterbury Bulldogs before he made it into the first grade picture in the Australian capital. He spent a year with the Giants in 2019 before signing with the Raiders for 2020. He made 22 appearances for the club while he also made 32 appearances for Leeds Rhinos.
“The knowledge they have and can pass on to our group is so impressive,” Raiders pathways and performance manager Tim Wykes said on the appointment of the trio.
“It’s not just their skills and experience, it’s the quality of human they are too. You couldn’t find three better gentlemen so we’re really lucky and privileged to have them.”
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
