After retiring at the conclusion of the 2024 NRL season, former Melbourne Storm forward Chris Lewis has transitioned into coaching, taking up a role with the Canberra Raiders’ NSW Cup team.
Lewis, one of nine players to depart the Storm this season, has been appointed head coach of the Raiders’ NSW Cup side. He will work alongside assistants Mick Crawley, Justin Giteau, and Brock Shepperd under head coach Ricky Stuart.
Debuting in the NRL at the age of 28, Lewis played 45 matches for the Melbourne Storm between 2020 and 2024. Despite not featuring in either of the club’s Grand Final appearances during his tenure, he was a key contributor to the forward pack over five seasons.
Reflecting on his shift to coaching, Lewis highlighted the advantages of his recent playing experience.
“I feel like I have the ability to still understand what it’s like from a player’s perspective, and I can share some of my knowledge and help bring some young players along,” he said.
His rugby league journey started in local football with the Shellharbour Sharks, Thirroul Butchers, and Helensburgh Tigers before a stint with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the QLD Cup (2017-2019).
The opportunity to join the Raiders came after conversations with Stuart about Lewis’s plans post-retirement.
“Ricky reached out to me, and we had a chat about coaching and footy in general,” Lewis explained. “Then I came down to Canberra to have a look at the facility, and we went from there.”
As the Raiders look to develop their next generation of talent, Lewis’s experience at both reserve and first-grade levels will undoubtedly prove valuable in nurturing young players in the NSW Cup.