Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry has today been announced as North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW Head Coach, agreeing to a three-year contract running through the 2026 season.
Henry has spent the previous four years as Head Coach of the Kiwi Ferns, overseeing a successful transitional period, culminating with a drought-breaking victory over the Jillaroos in the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Henry was set for a second stint as Warriors’ Jersey Flegg Head Coach in 2024 before accepting the NRLW role with the Cowboys.
Henry will arrive in North Queensland in the coming weeks to settle into the role prior to pre-season beginning in June.
“We were thrilled with the caliber of coaches who applied for the role and we were flattered by their interest,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“We are delighted to have secured Ricky, who has a long and decorated history in our game. He has experience in all levels of the junior pathways systems and has now shown he is in the top echelon of coaches at the elite women’s level.
“We are excited for the contributions he will make to women’s rugby league in North Queensland, not only at NRL level, but in continuing to grow pathways in our region.”
Cowboys Head of NRLW and Women’s Elite Pathways Anite Creenaune said Henry’s commitment to success shone through in the interview process.
“Ricky has an extensive background in coaching and has an exceptional understanding of the technical side of rugby league. In the interview process he produced a number of ideas around how we can improve as a team here at the Cowboys,” she said.
“He also displayed a deep understanding around the individual players on our roster and the language he used were in-line with the values we live by here at the Cowboys.
“Ricky is very clear in the goals he has for our team and has an extreme amount of confidence in bringing success to North Queensland.”
Henry said he was eager to begin work in North Queensland.
“The Cowboys have a talented squad with a lot of potential and great leaders. I'm looking forward to the challenge of getting the best out of every single player, which will help this squad realise its potential,” he said.
“I know the squad is highly motivated and willing to work hard which are strong foundations to being successful.
“The Cowboys are a club is on the rise. It has world class facilities, fantastic people, commercial support and a community that is passionate about the Cowboys all of which made this job immensely attractive.”
