With the domestic season well and truly underway in Ireland the preparations for the new State of Origin series have began to take shape too.
The Northern Ireland Elks have announced their coaching team for the upcoming series with two home grown stars taking the helm.
Kenny Calladine and Graeme Taylor, both currently not able to play due to injury, but both with a host of experience to share have agreed to fill the roles in this debut season for the series.
Kenny has played for Ballynahinch Rabbitohs, Ulster, Ireland A and had a spell with championship 1 side Oxford last season alongside Matty Hadden and JJ Baird. Currently sidelined with a knee injury Kenny was keen to pass on what he learned in England in the semi-pro ranks.
Graeme unfortunately suffered a broken and dislocated ankle playing for Ards RFC in the All Ireland League and has yet to return to playing. Again Graeme has played many times for Ulster and Ireland A and is looking forward to bringing on the next batch of stars from the north in what is a transitional period for the sport in Northern Ireland.
