WOLVES assistant first-team coach Lee Briers says he is more excited about the 2017 season than any since he retired from playing.

The former stand-off ended his playing career in 2013 and has since been coaching full-time with the club’s academy.

However, he will now make the step up to be head coach of The Wire’s reserve grade, combining it with his role of assistant first-team coach.

Wire icon Briers, who played 423 games in primrose and blue, says the application of the club’s new signings has heightened his anticipation for the new season, which begins with a trip to Catalans Dragons on Saturday, February 11.

“I’m the most excited I’ve ever been as a coach because the new lads have fitted in superbly,” he said.

“Dom Crosby is an exceptional person and he’s brought that intensity from the Wigan system but we’ve given him things that will make him a better player so it will be good to see that flourish.

“We’ve been blown away with the stuff Andre Savelio’s been doing in training, he’s an unbelievable talent. If we can progress that onto the field, he’s going to be a superb asset for us.

“Matty Blythe and Mike Cooper have fitted straight back in after being away for a few years. It’s like they never even left.”

Briers’ role within the first-team coaching structure has been increasing through the years alongside head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith and first-team coach Richard Agar.

The former Wales international has hailed the success of the pre-season campaign so far and says Agar has been instrumental in that.

He also credits working alongside the former Hull FC and Wakefield head coach as key to his own personal development.

“Pre-season has gone fantastically well, better than we probably thought it was going to be,” he said.

“Rich Agar is massive in that, Tony gives Rich and I free reign to do the sessions and it instills that confidence within us.

“We are really enjoying doing that and I enjoy learning from Rich.

“It’s good for me to be learning from two head coaches but I work closely with Rich and he’s been outstanding.”

Briers, who also earned international honours with Wales during his stellar playing career, also hailed the work of Jon Clarke, his former Wolves teammate and the club’s head of strength and conditioning.

He says the time off the players get between campaigns is very different to when the two of them were playing.

“The lads have come back bigger, stronger and faster than they were last year, which is down to Jon Clarke,” he said.

“The stuff he brought in last year was quite amazing when you compare it to when we were playing.

“In our time, your six weeks off was for total rest but it’s still work for these guys. They come back fitter than ever and that’s down to Jon.”

Briers’ new role with the reserve side sees him take up his first senior head coach’s position having previously coached the club’s under 19 side.

While admitting stepping away from the academy was a tough decision, Briers feels the reserves is a natural next step for him.

“It’s great that the club have given me a pathway and it’s one I want to make the most of,” he said.

“This is my fifth year of coaching. People often think I’ve only been at it for a couple of years but I’ve had four seasons with the academy which I’ve absolutely loved.

“It was hard to walk away from because I’ve got some strong bonds with that group, but it was the best thing to do for my career.

“The next step for me was the reserves and for the club to see that as well gives me confidence.

“It’s time for me to take the next challenge and be a head coach for older players.”