Rea replaces Powell

Tony Rea will be in charge of London Broncos for the rest of the season after head coach Rob Powell stepped down with immediate effect.

Australian to coach capital club for the rest of the 2012 season

Tony Rea will coach the London Broncos for the remainder of the Super League season after Rob Powell stepped down with immediate effect. The Broncos, who are currently bottom of the table, have endured a tough year with Powell guiding the capital club to just three top-flight victories. Rea, a former head coach and CEO of the club, will take over for the final seven games with a view to appointing a new man at the helm for the 2013 campaign. Powell joined the club in January 2007 as assistant coach and will remain with the Broncos in some capacity, although Rea is expected to be in charge for Saturday's visit of the league leading Wigan Warriors.

Changing structure

Chairman David Hughes admits results this season have been unacceptable and that the club were forced into changing their coaching structure. "We had to make changes because our performances were unacceptable. This is a result of our mid-season internal review with other findings due to be concluded soon," Hughes told the club's official website. "We are advertising for a new head coach, both in the UK and worldwide, with a view to him being in place for pre-season on November 1st. "Rob is still part of the team and we hope he will work with Tony for the remainder of the season. He will have a job with the club going forward in some capacity, obviously his specific role will be dependant on the new head coach. Rob is important to the development side of the club along with Phil Jones, and is a valued member of staff. "I've had regular contact with Tony and he feels for the club. I'm pleased that he has been able to come over and help us out at this time."

Support

Rea joined the Broncos in 1994 before becoming the club's chief executive, although he ended up coaching the team for six seasons prior to Brian McDermott's appointment. The Australian had been coaching rugby union side the Brumbies, though the Broncos always remained close to his heart. "I always check the Broncos' results," commented Rea. "Being down in Australia there are a lot of ex-players. The network's still strong here and we spend a fair bit of time ringing each other and talking about the club. "I want to get people to enjoy playing again. It's not about tactics, coaching or structure but belief and morale, making sure people re-connect. "Knowing the people who support the club I want to validate their decision and help get them to be the club they want to be and Rob will be included in that."