FORMER Warrington Wolves captain and assistant coach Lee Briers is leaving Wigan Warriors.
His 25 years of service with The Wire came to an end last year in line with Steve Price's exit as head coach and Briers joined Wigan's new coaching set-up under Matt Peet.
He has helped the club challenge for the title this year and been able to celebrate two victories against his former club Warrington, including Friday night's 32-6 result at the DW Stadium.
At the time of joining Wigan, Briers said he had come close to a move to Australia before the opportunity had arose under Peet but now an opportunity has arisen in the NRL that he says he could not turn down.
Briers will leave Wigan at the end of this season to take up a role with Brisbane Broncos.
“It’s come out of the blue," Briers told Wigan TV.
"I’ve always had an ambition to go to Australia to test myself and an opportunity has arisen to go to the NRL.
"Whilst I am excited to move, it is a bittersweet moment because I absolutely love it at Wigan. It’s been a tremendously tough decision to take but it’s one if I didn’t take, I would probably regret."
With hailing from St Helens and growing up as a Saints fan and starting out as a professional with his hometown club, then spending 25 years with The Wire as a player and coach, it was an eye-catching move when he joined both of those clubs' arch-rivals Wigan.
“If somebody had asked me 18 months ago, you are going to go to Wigan and enjoy it as much as you did, I would have just laughed," said Briers.
"From minute one of coming here, I’ve felt wanted and welcome. The coaching staff have taken me in, and we’ve bonded – it’s probably the tightest coaching staff I’ve been involved in. It’s been a super tough decision, it’s gut-wrenching.
“I understand that this opportunity only arises because of the playing group and the staff. It wouldn’t have happened if the boys didn’t buy into what we do as coaching staff – there’s massive credit to the boys.
"This group of players are by far the most close-knit group of players who want to learn every day. They are unbelievable. They’ve taken me in, trusted me and they’ve delivered.
"Also, Matt Peet gives me that trust. Me and Matt go further than just coaching. When my mum passed away, he was the first one to come and grab me. He’s always had the trust in me and hopefully I’ve repaid my bit."
The move to Wigan does seem to have been a seamless one, which has made the decision to follow his dreams a tough one.
He said: “I’ve actually loved coming into training each morning. Some people call it work – this isn’t work when you love it so much.
"People will say if you love it so much why will you leave. It’s not a case of that, it’s a case of wanting to go and experience something which has been burning inside of me since I was 15 years of age when I first toured Australia for the North West Counties.
“I keep catching myself thinking – I’m a St Helens fan through and through and I worked at Warrington for 25 years, but this is the place that has genuinely grabbed me without a shadow or a doubt. This place is something special and I’ll hold this dear to my heart.”
Wigan head coach Peet, who also has former England captain Sean O'Loughlin as an assistant coach, said Briers will be missed hugely at the DW Stadium.
“Lee has made a really positive impact on the club since he joined us, not just with his knowledge and his coaching expertise, but most importantly, him as a bloke," said Peet.
“I’m sad to see him go and to see his family go but I’m also really pleased for him to get this opportunity, I know it’s an ambition that he’s had for a long time.”
Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Lee came to see myself and Matt a few days ago in a fairly emotional state.
"He said that a dream move to Australia has come up for him and he feels as though he can’t turn it down.
"In our original meeting with him many months ago, he stated that the NRL was a dream and we knew that if an opportunity came up, we wouldn’t stand in his way.
“In a short space of time, the club and Lee have had an impact on each other.
"Lee has embraced the town, the fans and the players and staff. He brings great energy and enthusiasm to work every day. His passion for Rugby League is unique.
“When Lee first told me, I was sad as I know the impact that he has had on the club. When I reflected further, I was happy for Lee.
"When somebody achieves their dream, you have to put self-gratification to one side.
"I am glad Lee came to Wigan, it has been a joy to watch him work. Now, he has a job to do in the next few months. I am sure every Wigan fan will join me in thanking him and wish him the very best of luck.
"Lee will continue to be a great ally for us on the other side of the world. I do not feel as though Lee’s journey with Wigan is over and the way he has conducted himself over his time tells me that he will one day return.”
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