Knights bolster coaching stocks

The Newcastle Knights continue to bolster their coaching stocks with the announcement on Tuesday that they have signed former State of Origin coach Graham Murray as director of coaching.

Murray joins master coach Wayne Bennett and assistant Rick Stone at the Nathan Tinkler-owned Knights as the club continues to bulid a formidable team for the 2012 season.

Murray's role with the Knights will largely focus on the development of young players while also acting as a conduit among the coaches across all grades.

"The signing of a coach of Graham's experience in this role is a direct reflection on the importance we place in ensuring local talent are trained, educated and remain in Newcastle, " Chairman of the Knights' Advisory Board Paul Harragon said.

"Graham will use his experience to assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of the football programs amongst the Knights junior playing squad."

"It will be important that all coaches from the junior academies, Harold Matthews, SG Ball, NYC through to our NSW Cup team know and instill the values and philosophies of the NRL side, and Graham will be that person to ensure this happens across the board."

Recognised as one of the game's real talents to develop youth and build winning cultures, Murray has previously coached in Australia and overseas.

His coaching career includes taking the Sydney Roosters to the 2000 Grand Final and North Queensland Cowboys in 2005, coaching the Illawarra Steelers, the Hunter Mariners as well as winning a Challenge Cup with the Leeds Rhinos.

Murray also spent two years as State of Origin coach and more recently he has been CEO of Wynnum Manly Seagulls RLFC in Brisbane.