Written by: Dragons media release

The St George Illawarra Dragons today announced changes to their coaching structure for the 2003 Telstra Premiership season, taking the club in a new direction.
The Dragons Board of Directors voted unanimously at a special meeting yesterday to appoint former Dragons hooker Nathan Brown as Head Coach.

Brown will be supported by former Dragons forward David Barnhill as Assistant Coach, and former Australian captain Laurie Daley, who has been appointed as a Consultant in Coaching.

The new coaching structure will be in place when the Dragons players return to training early next month.

Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust said that the Board made the decision after the completion of the club's football performance review for 2002.
"Firstly I would like to thank Andrew Farrar for his efforts and commitment to both the Illawarra Steelers and St George Illawarra Dragons over the past six years," Doust said.

"Andrew is a very dedicated individual and has helped in the development of many of our current players and we wish him well for the future.

"However the Board unanimously agreed that the quality of our new coaching staff would certainly deliver a change in direction.

"We believe the new structure will provide the platform for an innovative playing style that will generate the next level of success that the Dragons are looking for."

Brown, 29, will become the youngest NRL head coach in the game's history, but Doust has no doubt he is ready for the challenge.

"Nathan is very experienced within the game and has demonstrated an outstanding application to coaching, taking our Jersey Flegg team to the minor premiership and grand final this season," Doust said.

"He has a healthy knowledge and respect for both our senior and younger players and an innovative approach to coaching which he has enhanced through his association with both the Country Origin and State of Origin squads in 2002.

"He has two outstanding individuals to support him in David Barnhill and Laurie Daley, who both have excellent records in the game, and who bring their own qualities to the club."

Brown, who played 171 first grade games for St George (1992-98) and St George Illawarra (1999-2001) before ending his playing career prematurely early last year after a neck injury, believes the transition to the head coaching role is an exciting challenge.

"It was always an honour for me to wear the Red V during my playing days and the transition to the head coaching role at this club is a very special opportunity," Brown said.

"I've learnt a lot from the coaches I have played under and been associated with over the years, but I have my own ideas of what we need to do to achieve more success at the Dragons.

"We have some great players here at the Dragons and I'm looking forward to working with them as we prepare for our challenge at the premiership next season."
Barnhill, 33, who played 209 first grade games for Canberra (1989-91), St George (1992-96) and Sydney City (1997-99), returned from a playing stint with Leeds in England (2000) to take a up role as defensive coach with the ACT Brumbies in 2001. He has also played nine State of Origin games for NSW and has taken part in five first grade grand finals, winning with Canberra in1990.

Daley, 32, played 244 first grade games for Canberra (1987-2000) and won three premierships (1989, 1990, 1994). Since retiring he has been heavily involved with working in the media and has been involved in coaching with Brown at State of Origin level in 2002.

"Laurie's role will not interfere with his commitment at Fox Sports and both Laurie and the club appreciate Fox Sport's understanding in this matter," said Doust.