NT Thunder Football Club congratulates NEAFL assistant coaches Ryan Ayres and Peter “Scruba” Leonard on their recent appointments to head coaching roles at NTFL clubs, Waratah and Wanderers.

Ayres, started his apprenticeship with NT Thunder in 2016 when he acted as an assistant coach with the Under 18 Academy for two years. In 2018 he made the switch to the senior team, with his primary focus on working with the forwards.

Scruba is a 2011 premiership runner for NT Thunder, and he does everything at the Club from delivering messages to offering free advice and working one-on-one with players in particular areas of the game.

He is a no-nonsense all-rounder who has been involved with the Club for all ten of its years.

Both coaches have extensive NTFL experience, with Ayres an assistant coach under Shannon Rusca for the 2017/18 Southern Districts NTFL premiership. He had also been involved in a coaching level with Districts and before that, Waratah for some years.

Scruba has been heavily involved with Wanderers for years and is a general all-around club man.

NT Thunder Head Coach Andrew Hodges congratulated both men on their well-deserved appointments.

“I am really pleased for Ryan and Scrub, they are both proven coaches who provide invaluable support and direction to me, the other coaches and players at Thunder.

“We are privileged that aspiring coaches choose to further their development amongst our ranks, as it strengthens the ties between NTFL clubs and Thunder and ensures tricks and tips we learn at the higher level can be passed back to our local clubs.

“They are both popular choices, and I wish them all the best for season 2018/19 and beyond,” he said.