Super League giants St Helens have confirmed that Royce Simmons will succeed Mick Potter as head coach at the end of the current campaign.

Potter recently announced he would be teaming up with Super League rivals Bradford Bulls and Saints chairman Eamonn McManus has moved quickly to fill the soon-to-be void.

Simmons, 50, is currently the Australia and West Tigers assistant manager under Tim Sheens, but he will depart both roles after he penned a two-year deal with the Knowsley Road outfit.

He enjoyed 11 years at Penrith Panthers during his playing days and he represented the Kangaroos on ten occasions before retiring in 1991.

Three years later he returned to the New South Wales-based outfit after he was installed as head coach and he spent seven years at the helm before teaming up with Sheens at West Tigers and McManus is delighted to have him on board for the new season.

"Royce will bring vast experience to the Saints," said McManus.

"He is used to successfully coaching elite players and developing young talent alike.

"Having worked directly with Australian national coach Tim Sheens for the last seven years, he is more than well equipped to ensure that Saints compete and succeed at the highest level."

Meanwhile, Simmons was also enthused at being handed the responsibility and he said: "This is a huge honour for me and a challenge that I am ready for.

"St Helens are one of the great historic names in world rugby league and are at the crossroads for a great future as they move to a new stadium with a squad that has a great balance and blend of proven internationals and some of the brightest young prospects in the game.

"I'm fully aware of their record of achievement and the style of rugby which has so distinguished them over the years. I'm really looking forward to taking up the role and moving to England."