Former Saints man Ian Millward may return to Super League

Apr 9 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

FORMER St Helens coach Ian Millward is considering a return to coaching in Super League.

Currently assistant at North Queensland Cowboys, Millward missed out on head coaching roles at two National Rugby League clubs last week after being interviewed by both the Cowboys and St George Illawarra.

While Millward said he was committed to the Cowboys this season, he admitted a return to England could be an option for 2009. He said: "It’s something I’ve got to weigh up whether to stay in NRL for a period or go back to the UK."

Millward started his coaching career with Leigh before joining St Helens in 2000 and won two Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge in his five years at Knowsley Road. But he was controversially sacked in 2005 following misconduct claims levelled at him by the club. Millward then joined Wigan but left just weeks into his second season after a string of disappointing results.

Millward returned to Australia and was appointed assistant to former Leeds coach Graham Murray at the Cowboys last year.

He seemed a natural replacement when it was announced Murray would not continue in 2009 until Canberra coach Neil Henry invoked a get-out clause in his contract with a year left to run at the Raiders and was appointed on a five-year contract.

Millward also missed out on the Dragons post, which went to Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, and is not thought to be in the running for the vacancy at Canterbury Bulldogs.

Former Bulldogs player Michael Potter - now coach of Catalans Dragons - current assistant Kevin Moore and Daniel Anderson - who took over from Millward at St Helens - are the leading candidates to take charge at the Bulldogs next year.

The only known vacancy in Super League for 2009 is at St Helens but a return to Knowsley Road can be ruled out.