Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldog's affiliate, Western Clydesdales have today announced Jason Alchin as Head Coach of their 2023 HostPlus Cup side.
Alchin, who has been working in recruitment and pathways for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, will take up his new role as he works on assembling a squad for next year.
The good news follows last week's announcement of Queensland Rugby League approving the club's bid to join the HostPlus Cup from 2023. The first time since 2006 the region has been represented at the state’s top level.
The Clydesdale board and numerous followers worked tirelessly to develop a sustainable business plan, club structures and secured a partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to support the club’s case for inclusion.
The 1988 Premiership winning fullback joined the Toowoomba-based club last month as U21s mentor and will remain as Hastings Deering Colts Coach for the rest of the 2022 Season.
Alchin played 111 NSWRL games for the Bulldogs, St George and Wests in Sydney from 1985-95 before getting into coaching.
“It’s a really exciting time to be part of the Clydesdales and it’s an honour to be appointed HostPlus Cup coach for our first year back in the competition,” Alchin said.
“We’re committed to giving some local guys a chance in the squad and are also looking at some other experienced HostPlus Cup players to help build a competitive squad.
“I’ll be getting in touch with some players we’re interested in. We also welcome any other experienced Cup players interested in being part of an exciting era for the Clydesdales to get in contact with the club.”
Clydesdales Chairman Tony Coonan is excited about Alchin’s appointment and preparing for the 2023 HostPlus Cup.
“I’m thrilled to have Jason on board as our HostPlus Cup Head Coach for next year given his experience in the game,” Coonan said.
“It has been great seeing Jason work with our Colts over the past month and I’m looking forward to seeing him work with our Cup squad in pre-season.
“Now we’ve been admitted to the HostPlus Cup from 2023 and announced Jason as our Head Coach, our focus moves to putting together a quality Cup squad for next season.
“It’s great that we can now provide opportunities for our local players in the HostPlus Cup and we also know that we’re going to need some experienced Cup players to complement that promising local talent.
“We’d love to see some of the guys from our region who have moved away in search of opportunities come back home and be part of this exciting new era for the Clydesdales.”
