Meet Our Coaches

Professional coaching led by former NRL and representative players. 30+ years of combined experience. Safe, age-appropriate training with clear pathways for young athletes.

A male rugby player wearing a green Canberra Raiders jersey with sponsor logos, smiling with short dark hair and tattoos on both arms.
Logo of the Canberra Raiders featuring a Viking helmeted face with a green beard and green eyes, above the text 'CANBERRA RAIDERS'
A cartoon illustration of a muscular female athlete in a sports helmet and red tank top, holding a hockey stick, with the word 'Steelers' in bold white letters on a red background in the background.
Illustration of a cougar, a big cat, in green on a red background with the word 'Cougars' at the bottom.
Logo of the Lebanese Rugby League Federation featuring a large cedar tree with chevron designs and the text 'CEDARS'.

Brad Morkos

Head Coach
Brad has over 14 years in high-level rugby league systems, from NRL squads to international teams. He has coached and mentored athletes across the Illawarra and beyond, drawing on his experience with some of the game’s greats, including Brad Fittler, Robbie Farah, and Ricky Stuart.

  • Former NRL system player and international representative

  • Extensive junior and representative team coaching background

  • Focused on developing safe, technical, and confident players

A shield-shaped logo with blue shades. The text reads 'State of Origin NSW Blues' with a stylized rugby ball on a field at the bottom.
A female athlete in a white and red sports jersey with sponsor logos, standing with hands on hips, smiling confidently.
St. George Illawarra Dragons emblem featuring a shield with a black knight on horseback, a white dragon, and red background with 'St. George Illawarra' written above and below.
A stylized logo of a shark with a hat, in blue and black colors.

Jayme Millard

Guest Coach
Jayme plays in the NRLW with the St George Illawarra Dragons and Harvey Norman Cronulla Sharks. Growing up around rugby league with her father, Shane Millard (ex-NRL and Super League), she brings both professional playing experience and a deep understanding of athlete development.

  • Current NRLW player

  • Experience across elite women’s rugby league

  • Focused on building confidence and pathways for young female players

A man wearing a blue and red sports jersey with various logos, standing with his hands on his hips, against a black background.
Logo of the Canberra Raiders, an Australian rugby league team, featuring a green and blue Viking warrior with a helmet and beard, and the text "Canberra Raiders" above the helmet.
Logo featuring a knight's helmet with a sword on top and the word 'KNIGHTS' beneath in blue

James Schiller

Guest Coach
James brings current, top-level experience to the academy with more than 30 NRL games for the Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights. When available, he works directly with our athletes to share his insights and professional standards.

  • Current NRL player

  • Guest coach bringing modern training techniques

  • Provides athletes with first-hand exposure to elite rugby league

A young man smiling and posing with hands on his hips, wearing a green rugby jersey with various logos including Canberra Raiders, Canberra Airport, Toyota Forklifts, and others.
The logo of the Canberra Raiders, an Australian Football League team, featuring a stylized Viking warrior's helmet with green beard and eyebrows, with the text 'CANBERRA RAIDERS' above it.
Kangaroos emblem with the text 'KANGAROOS SINCE 1908' on a green shield

Ethan Strange

Guest Coach
An Australian representative and rising talent in the NRL, Ethan currently plays with the Canberra Raiders. With experience across elite junior and senior systems, he brings a fresh perspective on what it takes to progress through today’s pathways into first grade.

  • Current NRL player with the Canberra Raiders

  • Experience across elite youth and senior systems

  • Shares modern training standards and player insights

Young man smiling in a black shirt at a social gathering, with a woman partly visible beside him, in an indoor setting with large windows.
St. George Illawarra Dragons emblem featuring a black and white dragon on a red shield with white background and red border.
Logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team featuring a muscular steelworker holding a steel beam.
Logo of the Greek Rugby League Association featuring a stylized Spartan helmet, shield, and rugby ball with text.

Jordan Karakousis

Coach
Jordan began in the Illawarra Steelers junior system before progressing to representative rugby league and earning selection for the Greek national team. He now uses his playing and coaching background to help young athletes grow.

  • Greek national rugby league representative

  • Grassroots and representative coaching experience

  • Builds teamwork, resilience, and game awareness