Brian Battese returns to coach Byron Bay Red Devils

A NEW era for junior development at the Byron Bay Red Devils begins with Brian Battese returning as first-grade coach in Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League this season.

Brian Battese will coach first grade in what will be his first official role in the region for several years.

It will be his third stint at Byron Bay since 1989 after spending time at Ballin.

He coached the Australian Schoolboys team from 2014-2016 and won grand finals as a player at the Canterbury Bulldogs in the 1980s.

He has helped with the junior development of several players across the competition during his time as a teacher at St John’s College Woodlawn.

Byron Bay club president Mick Foster said the appointment happened quickly after a chance meeting between the pair.

Battese helped Foster as an assistant when he won a premiership as coach at Ballina in 2017.

“I ran into him at a school carnival, we spoke about it there, he phoned me after to say he was interested in the job,” Foster said.

“We have a lot of young kids coming through and the knowledge he has will really help them with their game.

“He’s been around for years and understands how country footy works.”

Battese replaces former NRL player Todd Carney who spent six years at the club. First grade has retained most of its side with the likes of halfback Toby Marks and second-rower Jacob Kernick returning.

Both were dual registered and played some games with the Tweed Seagulls in the Queensland Cup competition last year.

Foster said it shapes as an important season for the club with its under-18s and reserve grade playing in grand finals in 2024.

The under-18s team broke a major drought with the club’s first win in the age division since 1977. A handful of its players will likely get a taste of first grade this year.

“You have to have good competitive juniors to get a decent first grade side on the park,” Foster said.

“The club is in a good place; we’re probably just looking for a couple of experienced middle forwards to help lead us around.”

The Red Devils return to training on Tuesday, January 28 with a major fundraiser at the Byron Bay Golf Club on February 2.