By Tallon Smith

The Griffith Waratahs Tigers have this week announced the signing of dual premiership player Chris Hanneman as Under 16s coach for the 2024 season.

After coaching the Yenda Blueheelers Under 18s side in 2023, the local schoolteacher will return to the club he won the 2014 and 2015 Group 20 First Grade titles with to lead a new crop of young stars in the club’s return season after a year in recess.

Hanneman’s impressive CV also includes a stint at the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup competition, where he won the 2012 premiership, as well as numerous youth representative coaching roles.

In a press release from the Waratahs club, Hanneman expressed his excitement in taking on the role.

“[I’m] excited and grateful to be able to help our great club get back up and running in 2024,” he said.

“Rugby League was a huge part of my life growing up, now I am hopeful I can help pass on some of the skills and knowledge I have learnt from my experiences in the game onto the next generation of young Group 20 players.

“[I] have had many experiences in Rugby League, sport and life, which have all had an influence on my coaching.”

Interested players can join the club by contacting President Robert Nascimben via the Griffith Waratah Tigers Facebook group.