Former Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils man Cory Paterson has taken up an international coaching role.
Paterson has been appointed as assistant coach of USA Hawks ahead of the scheduled clash with Scotland in spring.
The clash will take place in Las Vegas in February, with the meeting being organised alongside rugby league’s Las Vegas takeover, which will see two NRL games and a Super League clash between Leeds Rhinos and KR take place at the Allegiant Stadium.
The former back-rower will assist Adam Woolnough in the role with the former Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights man taking on the head coach role.
Paterson takes plenty of pedigree into the role having made over 200 appearances as a rugby league player, with 80 tries coming along the way. Just over half of those outings came in the Northern Hemisphere, with the 38-year-old, who started his career with the Knights, joining Hull KR from North Queensland Cowboys in 2013.
He returned to the NRL with Wests Tigers for the 2014 season before joining Salford a year later. He went on to have stints with Leigh either side of a season with Toronto Wolfpack, racking up 51 appearances for the Centurions, as they were known then, before retiring in 2019.
“I’m excited to reunite with Woolly and help grow rugby league in the US, where the potential is massive,” Paterson said after joining the Hawks.
On taking the head coach role, Woolnough said: “This is a special opportunity, and I am grateful to the USARL board for trusting me as the next head coach of the Hawks.
“Rugby League in the US is full of talent—both realized and untapped. I am committed to building a program grounded in integrity, accountability, and pride in the jersey, with a strong, connected team culture. Together, we will be united, disciplined, and determined to elevate the USA Men’s program to new heights.”
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