 Resignation ... Murray steps down as Cowboys coach. David Kapernick |
NORTH Queensland coach Graham Murray has quit the NRL club.Told at the start of 2008 this would be his final year at the club, Murray informed club officials of his resignation on Monday morning, according to the Daily Telegraph website.
Last Saturday`s loss to Manly was the club`s fourth in succession and leaves last year`s preliminary finalists near the rear of the NRL table in15th place.
Assistant coach Ian Millward, who just last week signed a two-year deal with Canberra, is expected to take over for the remainder of 2008.
It is understood the Cowboys will pay out the remainder of Murray`s contract, believed to be worth about $150,000.
North Queensland management desperatately wanted Murray to resign to save them from the unsavoury task of sacking the club`s most successful coach.
Even before his resignation, Murray had already stated this season was going to be his last.
"I won`t be coaching after this year," he said.
"I have had a real good innings - 16 years of coaching in first grade.
"It has been a wonderful and enjoyable journey.
"I have never taken coaching for granted and it has always been a job I have cherished. The day was always coming when it was going to end. I`ve had my time.
"Obviously we are feeling the pressure at the moment."
Murray, who will continue to live in Townsville, has experienced a wonderful coaching career.
He took Illawarra to their first finals appearance, won a Challenge Cup with English giants Leeds, guided the Roosters to a grand final and then took North Queensland to the finals for the first time in 2004.
The following year, North Queensland reached the grand final only to be beaten by the Wests Tigers
AAP
