FORMER Australian Test player Michael De Vere has today accepted a role with the WOW Brisbane Broncos coaching staff for season 2009.

De Vere will join fellow former Bronco first graders Allan Langer, Shane Webcke, Paul Green and Peter Ryan as specialist assistant coaches under new head coach Ivan Henjak.

De Vere, who has been part of the Broncos junior coaching system as development officer at Easts Carina Junior Rugby League Club, said he was excited with the new full-time position.

âАЬIt has been one of my goals to work with the NRL squad so this is a great opportunity,âАЭ he said.

âАЬI didnâАЩt want to jump into coaching straight away so I have been working in coaching and development with Easts Carina for the past couple of years.

âАЬI believe that will give me a good grounding for this job.

âАЬThe other thing is I love the Broncos - this has always been the club where I wanted to take on a position like this.âАЭ

Henjak said De Vere, who completes the assistant coaching structure, would be a great role model for all Bronco players.

âАЬI coached him in reserve grade when he first came to the club and he has always been a person I admired,âАЭ said Henjak.

âАЬAs a player I admired his professionalism, his work ethic, and his dedication.

âАЬHe was always so determined to get what he wanted.

âАЬI think thatâАЩs what we want the Broncos to be about and he will be the perfect example of that.âАЭ

De Vere played 170 first grade game for the Broncos, scoring 64 tries and 413 goals for a career tally of 1082 points, second only in club history to Darren Lockyer.

He also represented NSW in five State of Origin matches and played four Tests for Australia.

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