Workington Town Ladies rugby league club have named their new coaching team for the 2026 season.
Gareth Nicholson has been appointed as new head coach while his assistant is ex-Town forward Joe Kirkup, currently playing rugby union with Penrith.
Nicholson said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Ste Caton for giving me the opportunity to come in as his assistant two years ago. I really enjoyed my time working alongside him.
“It was a privilege to be asked to step into the head coach role ahead of the 2026 season. I was keen to move into a head coaching position, and when the opportunity came to lead these ladies and represent this club, it didn’t take any thinking about.
“The club has a real family feel and has been incredibly supportive of my plans and vision for where I want to take the team. I’d also like to thank Graeme Peers for putting his trust in me to step up.
“The lasses themselves are an absolute pleasure to coach as they’re keen to learn, hardworking, and they buy into anything that’s asked of them. I’m excited to see how far we can go as a team.”
It was Nicholson’s choice to bring in Kirkup as his right hand man once club chairman Graeme Peers had asked who he wanted.
He said: “It wasn’t something I had to think long about – Joe was the only person I wanted to bring in.
“I’ve known Joe for a lot of years, and anything he does, he gives 110%. He’ll fit right in with the lasses, bring plenty of energy, and his knowledge of rugby league is excellent. He’ll add real freshness to the set up and bring a lot to the environment.
“Alongside Joe, with Alex Price as strength and conditioning coach, and Zarrin Galea also coming in a support role, I think we have the foundation of a really strong coaching team, with each person bringing something different to the table.”
So what does the new head coach think of the team’s prospects for next season?
He said: “Last season was about showing we can compete and deserve to be in League 1.
“It was a big challenge in only our second competitive season, and we more than stood up to it with a third-place finish. If last season was about proving we can compete, then this season has to be about winning.
“With that comes added pressure, but we’re an honest group who believe in ourselves, so we won’t shy away from the fact that our aim is to win League 1 next season.’
Joe Kirkup a popular member of Town’s squad a couple of years ago, said: “Coaching is something I’ve wanted to get involved in for a while now so when Gareth asked me if I fancied being his assistant I liked the sound of it, especially with his goal of making it an even more professional set up.
“We’ve been team mates and friends for years so I’m really looking forward to working alongside him and really happy that will be at Town.
“I’m excited for my first shot at coaching. I’ve played the sport since I was eight and feel I have plenty to offer as a coach and look forward to laying the cones out for a bronco instead of running it!
“I passed my coaching course this year without any real plans on where to go with it and just wanted it for when an opportunity came up.
“Gareth has added a support staff around him that all offer something different and knowing him like I do I know he will have it all covered.
“I’ve had some brilliant coaches but in particular I remember playing for Workington Town Under-16s scholarship and remember how much of a positive influence the coaches had on me and I hope I can offer the same to the current ladies squad.”
