David Furner will have the experienced Ian Millward as one of his assistants when he takes over as Canberra coach in 2009.
Currently an assistant himself in the nation's capital before he takes over the reins from Neil Henry when he heads to North Queensland at season's end, Furner is delighted that he will have Millward by his side in his rookie season.
"Ian brings a lot of experience, I had a lot to do with him when I was over in England and he's a very successful coach," Furner said. "He's a challenge Cup winner, a Super League winner and a World Club Challenge winner so there's a lot of experience there."
"He's been back in the NRL for two years so he obviously knows the players that are involved in the NRL and what's needed to come up against the sides here, so it's a good position for me to be in."
Millward had a brilliant start to his coaching career in the English Super League, guiding St Helens to titles in 2000 and 2002 and also to Challenge Cup wins in 2001 and 2004 and the World Club Challenge in 2001.
But the 47-year-old's time at Saints ended on a sour note when he was dumped in 2005 for gross misconduct, which included three separate instances of foul and abusive language towards a match official, a St Helens employee and a media officer.
Snapped up by Wigan within two weeks, Millward guided the Warriors to seventh place as they missed the finals for the first time in club history and a slow start to 2006 led to his sacking.
In 2007 he returned to Australia and a role under Graham Murray in Townsville but, after considering a return to England, he has decided to switch to Canberra Stadium for the next two seasons.
"I weighed up my options between the UK and Australia and I think the direction that the Raiders are taking in regards to their personnel and infrastructure was quite attractive," Millward said. "It's going to be an exciting challenge for us next year and I'm really looking forward to it."
"When I was coach of St Helens I tried to get Dave over to play for us, but instead he went to Wigan. We've crossed paths plenty of times since and spoken about the challenges we face and we're both really keen to get into it."
"There's some exciting backline players at the club and the forwards have a good work ethic. I think David Shillington is an outstanding signing, and the re-signing of local talent such as Todd Carney and Adrian Purtell sends a message out of what the players think of this club."