A former Super League and NRL centre has left a coaching role at a Super League side for an off-field one with the champions of League One.

North Wales Crusaders, who won League One in 2025 and will be part of an expanded 21-team second tier in 2026, have announced a number of staff changes, including the addition of Jake Webster.

The former NRL, Hull KR and Castleford Tigers centre held a role with Keighley Cougars after finishing his playing career with them, however, he left the club midway through last season to work at Super League side Huddersfield Giants.

Huddersfield confirmed Webster’s appointment in June with Webster having actually been at the club at least two weeks prior, as revealed by head coach Luke Robinson.

No official title was revealed but director of rugby Andy Wilson confirmed that it was a ‘permanent role to the end of the year’, suggesting that a deal for 2026 hadn’t been agreed upon.

It’s now been confirmed by North Wales Crusaders that Webster will be their team manager in 2026.

Former Super League centre lands new role for 2026

A statement from the League One champions confirmed the appointment with head coach Dean Muir making a number of changes and additions to his staff, including the addition of Webster.

Webster’s NRL and Super League links were noted, as well as the fact he was both a head coach and director of rugby at Keighley during his time with the West Yorkshire club.

Speaking on the role, Webster said: “I’m really looking forward to help build the club and assist the team on an off the field. The success last season and the ambition both Bobby and Arun have really excites me and I’m looking forward to working with them in building rugby league in North Wales.”

North Wales also confirmed the promotion of Dave Hewitt to assistant coach after leading the Women’s and Reserves’ programme.

Chief executive Arun Watkins said: “Following the appointment of Dean, everything has been fast-moving to establish how we will look going into a highly competitive championship with several teams increasing their investment from the prior season.”

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#NWCrusaders can confirm changes to the club’s management team with Dave Hewitt joining Dean Muir’s first-team coaching staff and Jake Webster undertaking a joint role as team and commercial manager.

🔗 https://t.co/cjgrXwXbf5#UnClwb 🐉 pic.twitter.com/h2lTIYH6VP

— North Wales Crusaders (@NWCrusadersRL) October 20, 2025