Australia-born Gibson won 15 caps for Wales

New Leeds coach Damien Gibson is excited about linking up with Brian McDermott and James Lowes in the Rhinos' new-look management team.

Gibson will work under new head coach McDermott and his assistant Lowes.

The 30-year-old Australian, who will also coach the Rhinos' Under-20s, told BBC Radio Leeds: "They were both exciting players.

"If they are half as good at coaching as they were at playing then it will be exciting times ahead for Leeds Rhinos."

McDermott replaced Brian McClennan, while Lowes left Warrington to to replace Francis Cummings.

"When you get new coaches a lot of new ideas come about and everyone starts off at the same level," added Gibson.

"We are all starting together as coaches here and that's good. Brian and Lowesy will bring in some new ideas to the club and we'll have to learn all their systems.

"It will be a big job to start of the year to do that, but I can't wait."

As well as stints with Halifax (twice), Salford and Castleford, Gibson also played for Leeds in 1997 but admits he never thought he would return to Headingley.

"In the back of your mind you hope you'll come back to a great club like Leeds one day," he said. "But I never expected it would happen.

"I was disappointed when I left Leeds, as they were the reason I left Australia for them.

"The club has changed a lot since I played there in 1997, it's a massive club now and has gone from strength from strength.

"It's going to keep getting bigger and bigger and it's exciting to be a part of that."

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