Pictured: Scott Sipple with the 2014 premiership-winning FOGS Cup team.
Easts Tigers have appointed Scott Sipple as the club’s Head Coach for the 2016 season.
Sipple, the Tigers 2015 Intrust Super Cup assistant coach, was appointed at a special meeting of the Board last night, following the departure of Craig Ingebrigtsen, who has agreed to join the club’s NRL Affiliate, the Melbourne Storm.
Scott Sipple has amassed 200 Cup games for the club as a player and played in the Tigers 1997 and 2004 grand final sides. Following his retirement in 2008, Sipple coached junior grades at Easts Juniors, before taking on the role of the club’s FOGS A Grade coach in 2012, winning triple premierships in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Tigers Chief Executive, Des Morris said: “Scott has certainly served his apprenticeship with the club and the Board is very confident Scott will do a tremendous job with the squad. Scott is extremely enthusiastic, technically sound and will no doubt build on our famous club spirit.
“Scott’s coaching record speaks for itself and he has a proven ability to identify and develop talent”.
Sipple said: “I’m honoured and privileged to have been given an opportunity to coach a prestigious club such as Easts. The club has been a big part of my life. This is a dream come true for me, especially after a relatively short period in the coaching ranks. It is unfortunate the club is losing Craig, but I am really looking forward to the opportunity. The club is heading in the right direction and it has a great culture.”
Ingebrigsten joined Easts in 2011 as the Tigers Intrust Super Cup Assistant Coach, before being appointed as Head Coach in 2013. Ingebrigsten guided the club to the 2013 and 2014 Intrust Super Cup grand finals.
Morris said the club is disappointed to lose someone of Craig’s talent, but understands the development nature of the Intrust Super Cup and Craig’s desire to coach in the NRL.
“The club has developed into one of the premier pathways for players to pursue a professional rugby league career with a number of players securing NRL and Super League contracts. Many of the club’s current players were recruited by Craig and he leaves our playing roster in a very healthy state”.
“2015 has been one of the toughest years in the club’s history and Craig’s unflinching professionalism, dedication and people skills have been invaluable in helping the players, staff and fans get through the year”, Morris said.
The club takes this opportunity to thank Craig, wife Debbie and their family for everything they have done for the Tigers and to wish them all the very best in their next challenge.
