Mark Hartill and David Campese - 2010 First Grade Coaches

Wallabies legend David Campese and former Test teammate Mark Hartill have accepted the challenge of reviving Parramatta’s on-field fortunes as the club’s new-look coaching team for 2010.

In a recruitment coup for the Two Blues, ex-Wallabies prop Hartill has been appointed head coach while Test centurion Campese will take on the role as backline and skills coach.

Campese is currently in the UK on business but Hartill said the pair was determined to build a culture at the club that would cement the future after several seasons of struggle.

“It will be fun working with Campo,” said Hartill, who played 20 Tests for Australia from 1986 to 1995.

“Some people might find it surprising, but our philosophies on the game are pretty similar.

“It’s about getting back to the basics, getting them right, and instilling in people a desire to play and enjoy what they’re doing.

“There are challenges ahead but there’s nothing like a challenge to get you motivated.
                                                           
“I’m looking forward to working with the young guys at Parramatta and helping them to develop.

“This is about the club trying to build from its base.

“That has real appeal and Campo feels the same way.”

Hartill, the financial controller at Venture Solutions in Sydney, has been coaching junior representative sides at Gordon and also assisted with the Parramatta Colts program on occasions this year.

“When I was a young bloke in the early part of my career I was impressed by the Parramatta club and the culture they had through the mid 1980’s,” he said.

“There are people from that era involved now, people for whom I have a lot of respect.

“This game is also about putting back in more than you get out so I made an offer to give them a hand and I’m more than happy to help.”

Campese, who owns a coffee shop/sports apparel store at The Rocks in Sydney, had coaching experience as a skills consultant to the Super 14 franchise the Sharks while he was living in Durban, South Africa.

He also assisted on occasions with the Australian Sevens team in 2008.

Hartill, who lived in the Hills area for eight years, will meet the Parramatta playing group on Sunday with the Two Blues to start training for the 2010 season on Tuesday.

“The appointments are an exciting first step in the Two Blues’ revival campaign,” said club President Alan Hyam.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

HEAD COACH – MARK HARTILL

    * 20 Tests for Wallabies 1986-1995
    * Debut in the historic Bledisloe Cup series win in NZ in 1986
    * Played in two Rugby World Cups (1987, 1995)
    * Won three first grade premierships with Gordon
    * Played in unbeaten NSW team 1991

 

BACKS/SKILLS COACH – DAVID CAMPESE

    * 101 Tests for Wallabies 1982-1996
    * First Australian to play 100 Tests
    * Australian record 62 Test tries
    * Played in three Rugby World Cups (1987, 1991, 1995)
    * Named Player of the Tournament at 1991 Rugby World Cup