 Endacott will lead Widnes for the last time against the Broncos |
Frank Endacott is ready for his last match as Widnes coach on Sunday after deciding to return home to New Zealand. The 57-year-old has a year left on his contract but, with Widnes facing Super League relegation, he has decided to return home to his management business.
"I was holding off but then I thought I'm just kidding myself here," said the former New Zealand coach.
"I'd say barring a miracle, this would be our last match. I've enjoyed my time at Widnes, it was a great experience."
With two clubs facing the drop this year Widnes, who have 13 points, are certain to go down alongside rock-bottom side Leigh.
The Vikings' only hope of reprieve is if the National League One winner does not meet Super League criteria - a case which seems unlikely with Whitehaven, Castleford and Hull KR leading the hunt.
Endacott's contract is only valid if Widnes play in the Super League.
He stated last month he intended to restore Widnes' top-flight status if the club went down.
"Personal pride tells me I want to stay and be a part of it," Endacott said.
But now the former New Zealand coach has had a change of heart and has already booked his flight home.
"I arranged the flight the other day," he said. "I'm certainly going to get right back into the player-management business which I've had to put on hold for a year.
"I love it over here. I get a real buzz out of it. The only thing I haven't enjoyed has been the results."
However, Endacott refused to rule out a return to coaching in the future.
"I've been coaching for a long time now and I wouldn't want to make any stupid statements," said the former Wigan coach.
"If I had said it after Wigan, I wouldn't have been coaching Widnes. I'd be loathe to say I've retired."
Endacott's last match in charge of Widnes will be against London Broncos on Sunday.
There was better news for Widnes when promising prop forward Steve Nash rejected offers from Leeds, Bradford and Warrington to pledge his future to the club. The 19-year-old Great Britain Academy tourist, who has played in the Vikings' last four matches, said he wanted to help his hometown club regain their Super League status.