WOLVES assistant first-team coach Lee Briers has been appointed as the new head coach of the club’s reserve side for 2017.

Briers will combine his new role with his first-team duties alongside Tony Smith and Richard Agar after four years spent as head coach of the under 19s side.

Stuart Barrow, who was previously the reserves coach, will take charge of the academy side to accommodate Briers’ step up.

Last season, the likes of Tom Lineham, Kevin Penny and Dec Patton regularly featured in the club’s reserve side.

It also acted as a valuable resource for first-team players returning from injury and youngsters looking to make the step up to senior rugby.

As with 2016, a core group of reserve players will be supplemented by additions from the first team and academy and Briers is optimistic for the season ahead.

“It’s great for me that the club have given me this chance to advance my coaching career,” he said.

“I’ve got a strong group of 11 reserves to work with next year and there’s some really talented lads in there.

“We’ll have players coming down from the first team that aren’t involved as well, plus guys who are ready to step up from playing in the academy.”

Reserve grade rugby has been in decline in recent years, but Briers spoke passionately about its benefits.

He believes every club should run a reserve grade to enhance the quality of Super League.

“Some lads have been done a disservice when teams have cut their reserve grade,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic chance for guys who finish in the academy but aren’t quite ready for the first team to challenge themselves.

“There’s players that have just dropped out of the system because they didn’t have that chance.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that every team should be made to have a reserve team, bringing it back is the best thing for the game.”

Two players from last year’s reserves set-up have gone on to earn full-time Super League contracts, with Daniel Murray and Sean Kenny both signing for Salford.