Name James Shepherd | Role Rugby league | |
James Shepherd is a former professional rugby league player in the National Rugby League in Australia. In 2014, he served briefly as the interim coach of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks rugby league team following the resignation of Peter Sharp, who was filling in for the suspended Shane Flanagan.
Contents
Marist College Kogarah
Shepherd was a part of the college as a teacher of many subjects, primarily Personal Development, Health and Physical (PDHPE). He also coached MCC Rugby League teams.
Playing
Shepherd played for the Eastern Suburbs Roosters first grade team on six occasions from 1992 until 1994.
Early career
Shepherd joined the Wests Tigers in 2004 as coach of the Jersey Flegg (under 20's) team. He stayed there until the end of 2007. He then joined the Melbourne Storm (in 2008 and 2009) as their Recruitment Consultant. In 2011, he joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks as the Toyota Cup coach.
NRL
In 2014 he was elevated to caretaker coach of the Cronulla Sharks first grade side following the resignation of Peter Sharp. He will serve in this role until Shane Flanagan returns from his twelve-month suspension later in the season. In his first match in charge the Sharks came from 24-0 down in the first half to defeat the reigning premiers Sydney Roosters 30-28 in what was described as "One of the most incredible victories in the history of the Cronulla club - and quite possibly the NRL." They won the match despite having captain Paul Gallen and senior player Luke Lewis unavailable for selection due to State of Origin commitments and despite having terminated the contract of key playmaker Todd Carney in the week preceding the match in addition to it being Shepherd's debut.