Sport
7 April, 2025
New footy coach makes surprise departure
Oakey Bears have announced that new Director of Coaching Alan Kilshaw will be departing the club to the United Kingdom before the start of the TRL season and will be replaced for the 2025 season by Ash Taylor.
No official reason was given by the Bears for Kilshaw’s departure, but reports from the UK indicate that he's accepted a role as coach of third tier Keighley Cougars.
The experienced coach had previously left the UK under a cloud following a suspended ban on his Rugby Football League coaching licence.
In a statement, Bears President Jason Shannon wished Alan the best.
“Alan our Director of Coaching and Development, and his family will be departing the club and returning to the UK,” he said.
“We thank Alan for his contribution and commitment during his time with us and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.
“After a thorough review of our options - including discussions with external candidates - one thing became crystal clear: with 12 weeks of hard work already banked this preseason, we didn’t need a revolution, we needed an evolution.
“That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Ash Taylor will step into the role of A Grade Coach for the Oakey Bears in 2025!
“Ash has been an outstanding leader since the moment he arrived at our club - on the field, off the field, and everywhere in between.
“He knows this squad inside-out and brings the perfect mix of insight, calm authority, and hunger for success. With a solid foundation already in place, Ash is ready to guide the Bears to that next level.
“But that’s not all…we’re also proud to welcome Lee Addison of rugbyleaguecoach.com.au to the team!
“Lee will work alongside Ash in a supporting role — bringing with him over 25 years of elite coaching experience in both the UK and Australia, including time with two NRL clubs and two Rugby League World Cup teams.”
Addison’s coaching résumé includes:
- Head Coach of 3 Elite High Performance Academies
- Former Head Coach of Poland’s undefeated 2018 Emerging Nations squad
- Level 3 High Performance Coaching Certificate
- Master’s Degree in Coach Education (MEd)
- 6 wins from 6 in Test Match Rugby League
