GREAT Britain centre Keith Senior has been appointed head coach at St Joseph’s.

The Huddersfield-born Leeds Rhinos star took his first training session last night and will be in charge for tomorrow’s Pennine President’s Cup second-round tie at Sharlston Rovers.

Senior is keen to resume his coaching career after his spell at National Conference League Huddersfield Sharks three years ago and is relishing the challenge of coaching Huddersfield’s only Pennine League Premier Division team, along with developing players in both the second team and Under 17s.

Second-team coach Joe Kelly will continue in his current role, as well as assisting with the first team, while further strengthening within the club coaching structure will also take place.

Persuading Senior to take charge is something of a coup, and St Joseph’s officials are delighted to have attracted such a high-profile figure in the game.

“Following the departure of Jody Shaw, the St Joseph’s committee were determined to ensure that his successor would meet the criteria of being able to develop and improve players at all levels within the club,” said club spokesman Jimmy Lee.

“As such, we have not rushed into making an appointment, but have looked at several options.

“We have met with Keith on several occasions and believe that with this appointment and the work going on to develop the facility at Fartown we will be able to move forward and ensure there is a sound and successful basis for the future of the St Joseph’s club.”

There will obviously be a tremendous amount of interest in the way St Joseph’s fare under Senior tomorrow in what is a massive challenge against an unbeaten Premier Division side, although his club’s fixture is only one of a number featuring Huddersfield teams.

Also in President’s Cup action and facing a major challenge are Moldgreen, who travel to fellow First Division side Birkenshaw, when the visitors will need to be at their very best to get anything from their in-form hosts.

There are even more of the town’s teams in Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy round-two action tomorrow, with three of them hoping to make home advantage count.

Newsome Panthers have a great chance to progress against fellow Second Division side Stanningley A, while Division III title-chasers Slaithwaite Saracens should be far too strong for Division IV mid-table team Stainland Stags.

But Division IV Underbank Rangers know they will need to be at their very best to get the better of Westgate Redoubt from Division II.

Division II leaders Emley Moor should have a successful trip to Liversedge in Division IV, but Lindley Swifts face a tricky away test at fellow Third Division side and leaders Bank Top Harriers.

As well as the Cup games, there are also several League games taking place.

In Division IV, Meltham All Blacks should be confident of securing a fourth win of the campaign at home to bottom side Silsden Park Rangers.

Moldgreen A are at home to Keighley Town A in Division V, while St Joseph’s A host King Cross Park A in Division VI and Slaithwaite A visit New Earswick A in Division VII.

NEW MAIN MAN Super League champion Keith Senior is hoping to bring success to St Joseph’s after a first coaching spell at the Sharks