Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Penna revels in return to big time
Adrian Proszenko November 20, 2011
WHEN David Penna broke his neck - for the second time - it appeared to be the end of his association with rugby league.
But, while the injury finished his playing career, it fast-tracked a move into coaching - one that has culminated in his appointment as the assistant coach to Geoff Toovey at Manly next year.
The former Parramatta and Souths playmaker, who has been juggling his sales manager role at 2GB with his NYC coaching duties at the Sea Eagles, is one of the beneficiaries following the defection of Des Hasler and other key staff from Brookvale to Belmore.
''It's a bit of a dream come true, I'm really looking forward to it,'' Penna said. ''I've been with the club going on to seven years now. Obviously there's been some great coaching staff ahead of me and it's been a matter of time where you have to just wait and be patient.
''That's the good part about coaching, it doesn't matter how fast you can run any more.
''I played with Jamie Lyon in his very first game of rugby league [at Parramatta], so hopefully we'll do well and I'll get to coach him in his last game. That would be nice.'' Penna has enjoyed success in the lower grades with the Sea Eagles and was recently touted as a candidate when the head job came up at Super League club Salford. The 39-year-old has overseen the development of many of the players that tasted premiership success this year.
Adrian Proszenko November 20, 2011
WHEN David Penna broke his neck - for the second time - it appeared to be the end of his association with rugby league.
But, while the injury finished his playing career, it fast-tracked a move into coaching - one that has culminated in his appointment as the assistant coach to Geoff Toovey at Manly next year.
The former Parramatta and Souths playmaker, who has been juggling his sales manager role at 2GB with his NYC coaching duties at the Sea Eagles, is one of the beneficiaries following the defection of Des Hasler and other key staff from Brookvale to Belmore.
''It's a bit of a dream come true, I'm really looking forward to it,'' Penna said. ''I've been with the club going on to seven years now. Obviously there's been some great coaching staff ahead of me and it's been a matter of time where you have to just wait and be patient.
''That's the good part about coaching, it doesn't matter how fast you can run any more.
''I played with Jamie Lyon in his very first game of rugby league [at Parramatta], so hopefully we'll do well and I'll get to coach him in his last game. That would be nice.'' Penna has enjoyed success in the lower grades with the Sea Eagles and was recently touted as a candidate when the head job came up at Super League club Salford. The 39-year-old has overseen the development of many of the players that tasted premiership success this year.
