Cheika handed Sydney Roosters role

Former Australia head coach Michael Cheika has switched codes to take on a short-term advisory role with Sydney Roosters.

Cheika resigned as Wallabies boss after a Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to England last October.

The 52-year-old has been linked with Top 14 giants Montpellier, but for now he will work with the NRL champions’ coaches and pass on his attacking skills expertise to the players.

Roosters head coach Trent Robinson told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph: “He is helping push myself and the assistant coaches to improve and challenging our ideas and helping push us again in 2020.

“He is also a really skilful attacking style of coach as well. We are taking anything we can learn from his style of coaching and his attacking mindset.

“Cheiks loves the footy environment. He is a rugby union coach but he grew up in the Eastern Suburbs and he just loves footy, whether it’s union or league.”

Cheika, a longtime friend of Robinson’s, said: “Trent asked me to do some very specific stuff with a couple of the coaches and specific areas.

“He has got me on a few projects. I’ve loved it. I was really honoured that they thought I could contribute. I want to make sure the stuff I’m doing is contributing the way Trent wants me to.

“I’ve really enjoyed being involved with the lads. The coaches are fine men and the players are good lads.”

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