The former Test and Origin half appeared at Parramatta training for the first time this week and is expected to mentor Eels play-makers Corey Norman and Clint Gutherson.

Widely tipped as a future NRL head coach, Kimmorley juggled the Devils head-coaching role with media commitments at Fox Sports and with Triple M NRL last season. The Devils reached the 2016 grand final in the first year of his tenure at Parrish Park, going down 28-16 to Dapto.

The Wests coaching role has proven a springboard for coaches advancing to the highest levels of the game, with current Dragons coach Paul McGregor having coached the Devils to a three-peat of titles between 2010-2012, while Kimmorley’s predecessor Jason Ryles is now a senior member of Craig Bellamy’s coaching staff at the Melbourne Storm.