Tommy Makinson Confirms Player-Coach Role With Coffs

Former St Helens and England star Tommy Makinson has signed a two-year deal to become a player/coach for Australian amateur side Coffs Harbour Comets, following his retirement from professional rugby league. The move sees the 35-year-old winger head Down Under after an illustrious 15-year career in the professional game.

Makinson’s New Role With Coffs Harbour Comets

Makinson, widely regarded as one of the finest wingers of the Super League era, announced his retirement from the professional game last month. His final professional match was against Wigan Warriors. Now, he will ply his trade in Group 2 of the New South Wales Rugby League competition with the Coffs Harbour Comets.

According to Love Rugby League, the Comets, who reached the semi-finals of their competition this year, have a healthy contingent of British players within their ranks. Makinson will partner Macauley Dawson as captain-coach, with Dawson having been in sole charge since midway through the 2026 campaign. The club confirmed Makinson’s arrival via their social media channels, as reported by All Out Rugby League.

A Decorated Career: St Helens, England, and Beyond

Born in Ince-in-Makerfield, Makinson debuted for St Helens in 2011 and became a club legend over 15 years. During his time with Saints, he made 336 appearances and scored 207 tries. He was instrumental in winning four Grand Finals, alongside securing the Super League League Leaders Shield, Challenge Cup, and World Club Challenge trophies.

His professional club career saw him make 379 appearances, scoring 231 tries, kicking 290 goals, and one drop goal, accumulating a total of 1,597 points. His final two professional seasons were spent with Catalans Dragons, where he scored 12 tries in 18 appearances in 2026.

On the international stage, Makinson was a significant player for England, making 12 appearances, scoring 13 tries, and kicking 20 goals. He featured in the last Rugby League World Cup in 2022 and was awarded the prestigious Golden Boot in 2018, recognising him as the world’s best player.


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