Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Crooks earned 19 caps for Great Britain, toured three times down under and played club ruby in both hemispheres in a distinguished 17-year playing career in the 1980s and 90s, which saw him regarded as one of the best forwards of the era.

He visited Serbia for a week in mid-August, where he ran sessions for 22 youngsters from six clubs at an under 18 camp at Mount Kopaonik, funded by Serbian Ministry of Youth and Sport.

The tie up was formalised between Crooks and the Serbian RL at Wembley last weekend. "I am very pleased and honoured to be asked to take on the role of Technical Director for the Serbian RL," Crooks commented.

"Having been over and met delegates from the league and also Head Coach Marko Janković, as well as some players and coaches, I believe there is immense potential in the country."

"The enthusiasm which has been shown by everyone tells me that the Serbian Rugby League want to progress, not only their national squads but also the game throughout the country. I am thrilled that they have looked upon me to help them achieve their goals and I see this as great opportunity for me to help deliver them."

He added, "I look forward to working, not only with the national senior squad but also the junior players and also helping the coaches throughout the competition. We start with a clean slate and I am eager for the challenges which lie ahead."

Nebojša Sretenović, Serbian national rugby league team manager, said: "It is huge honour to announce that rugby league great Lee Crooks joins our team for the qualifying period, hopefully even further. "

"Having in mind Mr. Crooks' rich experience, Marko will certainly have high-class support and Serbian club coaches enough opportunity and incentive to increase their own skills and ensure our domestic-based players' continued development. "

"We deeply believe that, with Mr. Crooks on board, we can increase the level of the both Serbian clubs and national team's performances. "

Jovan Vujošević, Central Europe Regional Director of the Rugby League European Federation, hailed a significant move in the region.

"The co-operation of a rugby league legend such as Lee Crooks and the Serbian Federation is evidence that the game is rapidly developing in Europe," he noted.

"It is going to be one of the most exciting qualifying tournaments ever, which will undoubtedly lead to powerful domestic development in the respective countries. "