Key Points
- Coaching Promotion: Former Leeds Rhinos centre Paul Momirovski has officially stepped up to take charge of the Sydney Roosters’ second-string New South Wales Cup team.
- Rapid Transition: The 30-year-old retired from playing after a short spell with French outfit Lézignan, following his release from Leeds Rhinos midway through a two-year contract.
- Youth System Success: Prior to taking on the NSW Cup role, Momirovski successfully coached the Roosters’ under-17s side to the Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final, where they finished as runners-up to Newcastle Knights.
- Roster Reshuffle: His premature departure from Headingley freed up a crucial quota spot on Leeds’ overseas allocation, allowing the Yorkshire side to sign Parramatta Eels winger Maika Sivo.
- Backroom Speculation Confirmed: The career move confirms earlier reports by journalists at the Yorkshire Evening Post, who had initially revealed Momirovski was considering a backroom role at the Bondi club.
LEEDS (The Leeds Times) November 2, 2026 –In a significant coaching promotion, former Leeds Rhinos centre Paul Momirovski has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sydney Roosters’ New South Wales Cup side. As reported by Australian rugby league media outlets and confirmed following his transition from youth development, the 30-year-old has taken the reins of the Roosters’ reserve-grade team ahead of the upcoming campaign. This progression comes after Momirovski successfully coached the Sydney Roosters’ under-17s squad to the Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final, where his side narrowly missed out on the title following a defeat to the Newcastle Knights.
How Did Paul Momirovski Transition from Leeds Rhinos to the Sydney Roosters Backroom Staff?
As reported by sports reporters at the Yorkshire Evening Post, Momirovski was initially understood to be weighing up a backroom position with the Sydney Roosters upon leaving the Super League. The Australian centre had joined Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2024 season from the Roosters on a two-year contract. However, his tenure at Headingley ended prematurely when he was released halfway through his agreement.
As documented by the Yorkshire Evening Post, the decision to part ways by mutual agreement served a dual purpose: it allowed Momirovski to explore post-playing options while simultaneously freeing up a vital overseas quota spot on the Rhinos’ roster. Leeds Rhinos subsequently utilised that quota vacancy to secure the signing of superstar winger Maika Sivo from the Parramatta Eels.
Following his exit from West Yorkshire, Momirovski enjoyed a brief final spell on the pitch in France with Élite 1 outfit FC Lézignan. Upon hanging up his boots, he returned to Australia to commence his coaching career within the Roosters’ system.
His rapid transition from player to lead coach of the under-17s Harold Matthews Cup team delivered immediate results, establishing his credentials for a step up to senior secondary-tier coaching in the New South Wales Cup.
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Background of the Development
Paul Momirovski brings a wealth of high-level playing experience to his coaching role. Before his move to Super League with Leeds Rhinos, Momirovski enjoyed an extensive career in the National Rugby League (NRL). He was a member of the Penrith Panthers’ premiership-winning side in 2021, and had separate playing stints with the Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm, and the Sydney Roosters, where he originally progressed through the junior grades.
The Sydney Roosters’ junior system has long served as a pathway for former players transitioning into technical coaching roles. By managing the under-17s Harold Matthews team, Momirovski gained immediate experience in player development, tactics, and squad management.
His quick advancement to the New South Wales Cup position places him directly beneath the senior NRL management structure, overseeing players on the fringe of first-grade selection as well as emerging talent coming through the pathway.
Prediction: How Will This Development Affect the Sydney Roosters and Leeds Rhinos?
For the Sydney Roosters, appointing an individual who has played both NRL first-grade football and internationally in Super League provides their reserve-grade setup with modern tactical insight. Momirovski’s immediate success at the Harold Matthews level suggests a smooth transition to managing senior fringe players in the NSW Cup.
His intimate familiarity with the Roosters’ culture and tactical systems ensures continuity between the secondary-tier team and Trent Robinson’s NRL squad. Players pushing for first-grade selection are likely to benefit from a coach who recently played at the highest levels of the game in both hemispheres.
For Leeds Rhinos, Momirovski’s rapid rise in the coaching ranks validates the circumstances surrounding his departure. The squad reorganization permitted the club to acquire Maika Sivo, directly addressing their backline priorities. Furthermore, maintaining positive links with emerging Australian coaches could open future channels for talent identification, backroom exchanges, and strategic international partnerships between Headingley and Bondi.
