Lee Briers explains decision to cut Wigan Warriors stint short and take up opportunity with Brisbane Broncos

As we know, Super League great Lee Briers has made the coaching switch to head down under and join the Brisbane Broncos.

The Warrington Wolves legend leaves after a coaching stint at Wigan Warriors, helping guide the Cherry and Whites to Challenge Cup glory last season alongside head coach Matty Peet.

Briers was a Super League stalwart in his playing days, making 425 appearances for Warrington and he still remains the Wire’s leading points scorer.

Since retirement in 2013, Briers worked his way into coaching and following his spell with Wigan, the former Welsh international has made the switch down under.

Brisbane Broncos head coach Kevin Walters played with Briers very briefly when the Australian joined the Wolves in 2000, albeit only making four appearances.

Despite that, the pair have stayed in touch, though Briers still describes the offer to join Brisbane as ‘out of the blue’ when talking about the move in a series of quotes posted to the Broncos website.

“I was at Wigan and had a two-year deal, and the opportunity came out of the blue,” Briers explained.

“I’ve known Kev for quite some time and obviously played with him in 2000, I’ve always kept in contact and a position came up and Kev got in contact and offered me the role.”

The 44-year-old still had plenty of praise for the side he’s left but explained it was an impossible opportunity to turn down.

“I was at a great club in Wigan, fantastic organisation, but when the Brisbane Broncos come calling, it’s hard to knock that back.”

He also explained that playing down under helped shape the decision for him and create a passion to return and coach in Australia.

“I first came to Australia in 1993 on a junior tour and I’ve always had a firm ambition to come back one day to play or coach, so I get the opportunity to do that.”

Briers will hope his work will help the Broncos to the playoffs, something they haven’t managed in the first two years under Walters, but something that Briers has been familiar with during his coaching and player career.