James Webster (rugby league)

James Webster (born 11 July 1979) is an Australian professional rugby league football coach who was the head coach of the Featherstone Rovers in the Betfred Championship, and a former professional player.

James Webster
Personal information
Full nameJames Webster
Born (1979-07-11) 11 July 1979
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionHalfback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1999 Balmain 9 3 0 0 12
2002–04 Parramatta Eels 22 3 0 0 12
2005–08 Hull Kingston Rovers 93 33 7 9 155
2008 Hull F.C. 1 0 0 0 0
2009–10 Widnes Vikings 43 10 0 0 40
Total 168 49 7 9 219
Coaching information
Club
Years Team Gms W D L W%
2014–15 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 36 9 6 21 25
2016 Hull Kingston Rovers 5 2 0 3 40
2019 Hull Kingston Rovers 0 0 0 0
2020–21 Featherstone Rovers 36 33 0 3 92
Total 77 44 6 27 57
Source: [1][2][3][4]
As of 20 October 2021

He was previously of the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Hull Kingston Rovers. Webster played as a scrum-half or hooker in the National Rugby League for Australian clubs Balmain Tigers and Parramatta Eels. He then played in the Super League for Hull Kingston Rovers, Hull F.C. and the Widnes Vikings. Webster stayed in England after retiring from playing and became a coach.

Background

Webster was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

He is the older brother of former rugby league footballer and current New Zealand Warriors head coach, Andrew Webster

Playing career

Balmain Tigers

Webster played rugby league in his home town of Sydney for Balmain. Webster played in Balmain's final ever match as a first grade side, a 42–14 loss against Canberra. Balmain then went on to merge with fellow foundation club Western Suburbs as part of the NRL rationalisation policy.

Parramatta Eels

Webster then moved to the Parramatta Eels, making 22 appearances in his time with Parramatta.[5]

Hull Kingston Rovers

Webster was released from Hull Kingston Rovers on 2 May 2008.[6]

Hull FC

Webster eventually joined rivals Hull. After only one game in a black and white jersey – Webster was released from his contract.

Widnes Vikings

It was then announced he had signed a two-year contract with Widnes. He joined National League One side Widnes for the 2009 season.[7]

Coaching career
Webster as Head Coach of Hull KR

Hull FC

Webster turned his back on his playing career to focus on his coaching role with former club Hull, when he returned to the black and whites as Assistant Coach in 2010. He worked closely alongside Head Coach Richard Agar and fellow Assistant Coach Andy Last in his first major coaching opportunity, whilst he is also involved in the development of other young coaches with the Rugby Football League. In early 2014, Webster was playing for amateur rugby club Hornsea RUFC, he earned one cap and also offered coaching support.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

On 2 June 2014, Webster replaced the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats head coach Richard Agar as the new head coach of the Super League club.[8][9] On 19 May 2015, Webster left Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.[10]

Hull Kingston Rovers

In March 2016, Webster was named Interim Coach of Hull Kingston Rovers replacing the sacked Chris Chester. Webster became the assistant coach at Hull Kingston Rovers when he was replaced by Tim Sheens as head coach from the 2017 season.

Featherstone Rovers

In October 2019, was named head coach of Featherstone Rovers replacing Ryan Carr who return home to Australia. Webster guided Featherstone to the 2021 Million Pound Game where they lost against Toulouse Olympique. On 22 October 2021, he stood down from the role as head coach at Featherstone by mutual consent.[11]

References
  1. loverugbyleague
  2. Rugby League Project
  3. Rugby League Project Coaching
  4. http://rugby-league.co.uk/club/wakefield-wildcats/33502
  5. "Official Player Numbers". Parramatta Eels.
  6. "Webster shown Hull KR exit door". BBC. 2 May 2008. Retrieved 2 May 2008.
  7. "Vikings swoop for Webster". Manchester Evening News. 26 September 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
  8. http://www.superleague.co.uk/article/30356/agar-replaced-by-webster
  9. "Super League: Richard Agar steps down as Wakefield coach".
  10. "Wakefield part company with head coach James Webster after 11 months". The Guardian. 19 May 2015.
  11. "James Webster leaves Featherstone as club explains why after honest revelation". seriousaboutrl.com. 22 October 2021.
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