We are delighted to announce that Mike Panoho will join Neddies as the new Premier Grade Head Coach and Director of Rugby. He will be assisted by Brett McCormack and S&C Coach Jye Welch and the team at Jump Lift Run, who have come joined as our Strength and Conditioning partners.

Bringing an extensive wealth of experience, Mike joins Nedlands with a proven track record. He holds the highest Coaching Award in English Rugby and has furthered his expertise with a Masters in Professional Coaching.

Throughout his coaching journey, Mike has made significant contributions to Gloucestershire Counties, England Counties, Richmond RFC, RFC Haarlem, Delta Super Cup, and recently served as the Netherlands National team forwards coach.

Mike’s coaching philosophy revolves around inspiring dedication, commitment, fitness, creativity, and fostering a strong team culture. Notably, Mike’s roots in the game extend to his early playing days with Nedlands, where he started as a young kid, playing for The Mighty Nomads at 5th Grade and Colts. Now, with excitement, Mike returns to the club as the Head Coach.

Brett McCormack has also come on board to assist Mike with the Premier Grade Coaching. Brett brings significant experience, having played Professional Rugby, representing New Zealand at u17 and u21 levels, Otago and Southland in the NPC and the Highlanders and Chiefs in Super 12. 

As a coach Brett, has experience coaching 1st Division in the UK and a multitude of Otago age representative teams and most recently coaching the Neddies u15’s 7’s team in 2023.

Brett has said, “I am very excited to be part of the Coaching Set at Neddies and to work with Mike Panoho, a very respected Coach will bring great learnings and new ways to the rugby club.” 

We are also extremely lucky to have Andy Cole joining us as Head Coach of the Colts and David McKnight as Reserve Grade Coach. Both bringing decades of coaching experience within WA Premier Grade and Perth Gold. Andy will be assisted by Dean Woodham and former Nedlands Premier Grade Captain and 100 gamer, Dylan Loversidge will assist with Reserves.

Nedlands Stalwarts, Rod Ball, Danny Iti and Terry “Max” Smith have formed a super coaching team to lead the 3rd Grade and Luke Powell and Duane Wee will resume as spiritual leaders of the Nomads. We are working hard in the background to confirm our Women’s team coach and will make the announcement once confirmed.

We are all very excited for the season ahead.