A Jets favourite steps down as Colts Coach
Chris Ash, Head Coach of the University of Southern Queensland Hastings Deering Colts has made the decision to step down as Head Coach at the end of the 2022 Season to spend more time with his young family, fiancé Claire and baby girl Gracie.
Chris, known as Ashy to many, has been with the Ipswich Jets since his debut as a Colt in 2011. His playing career saw him progress into our BRL side, before making his debut in the Intrust Super Cup competition in 2015. Chris continued to play for the Ipswich Jets Intrust Super Cup team until 2019, where he then played for Brothers Rugby League Club Ipswich in their premiership winning A Grade side, in the Rugby League Ipswich Competition.
Chris has played in the green and white of the Ipswich Jets for more than 150 games, playing at most levels of the Queensland Rugby League state Competitions. With his under 18’s Mal Meninga, Colts, BRL and Intrust Super Cup experiences, Chris has been an important part of the Jets family for many years.
Ipswich Jets CEO Richard Hughes stated, “One of the first players I met in my tenure here was Chris, and it was clear to see the respect he had amongst the players, staff, and sponsors. He has always held himself to an extremely high standard and he took that into coaching, which is showing the results now, after years of hard work. A huge thank you to Chris for what he has contributed to this club, both as a player and as a Coach.”
Chris began coaching the Colts in 2021 and has held the reins for the past two seasons developing a wealth of Ipswich talent. Ashy’s coaching has had the biggest impact on the Colts program the past two years, narrowly missing a spot in this year’s finals series by only two points. A credit to Chris, who has been working with the Jets Head of Football Ben Cross, especially seeing four of his Colts players make their Hostplus Cup Debut, this year.
Ipswich Jets Head of Football Ben Cross said “It is always good to have a former player be a part of the Club. Chris has done a great job with his Colts this season, and we thank him for his commitment and dedication to the Club and to his players.”
Ipswich Jets Chairman Steven Johnson concluded “Chris’ whole adult life has been as a valued member of the Ipswich Jets and one of the keepers of our culture and values. He was a player and part of that fabulous 2015 year, and on retiring, he joined the coaching staff, and he taught the next generation about what it means, and how, to be an Ipswich Jet and bleed green and white for Ipswich. He will be missed but he will always be welcomed back.”
The Ipswich Jets are inviting all interested personnel, wishing to coach the Colts in 2023, to submit their resumes with cover letter to our Head of Football, Ben Cross at headoffootball@ipswichjets.com.au. Applications close, Friday 16 September 2022.
Any under 21 players interested in playing for the Ipswich Jets in our 2023 Colts program are invited to attend our open selection trials on Sunday 9th October 2022. Click the link below to register today!