James Moran
Wollongong,NSW
Summary
High-Performance Coach with over 12 years of experience in developing elite collision athletes. Expertise in contact performance and collaboration with coaching staff has enhanced tackle efficiency and ruck performance. A coaching philosophy integrates evidence-based sport science with movement principles to foster resilient athletes capable of excelling under collision demands.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Club Contact Coach
St. George Illawarra Dragons
01.2025 - Current
- Developed contact programs for Elite Academy, preparing emerging players for NRL competition.
- Designed and delivered the NRL contact and wrestle program across preseason and in-season.
- Collaborated with head coach, defensive coach and high-performance staff to enhance tackle effectiveness and ruck performance.
- Provided technical coaching and performance feedback through in-depth contact analysis.
- Develop and implement NRLW Contact programs.
- Pathways Contact Coaching, Strength and Conditioning Coach. Facilitate Combat style conditioning for NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg teams.
- Executed game day responsibilities for NSW Cup and NRL matches as blue shirt.
- Delivered conditioning coaching emphasizing combat and grind style sessions.
Strength, Conditioning & Contact Coach
North Queensland Cowboys
01.2020 - 12.2024
- Designed and delivered the NRL contact and wrestle program across preseason and in-season.
- Collaborated with head coach, defensive coach, and high-performance staff to enhance tackle effectiveness and ruck performance.
- Led contact return-to-play progressions alongside medical and rehabilitation staff.
- Provided technical coaching and performance feedback through comprehensive contact analysis.
- Created contact programs for Cowboys Academy, equipping emerging players for NRL competition.
Strength, Conditioning, Contact & Wrestle Coach
New Zealand Warriors
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Developed specialist wrestle curriculum and contact coaching systems to improve athlete readiness and performance.
- Coordinated contact coaching for NRL, Canterbury Cup, and Jersey Flegg programs to enhance player skill development.
- Delivered strength, conditioning and return-to-play programming.
- Built contact training load monitoring tools supporting player performance and rehabilitation.
- Assisted with GPS analysis and sport science reporting to inform training adjustments and optimize player performance.
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Townsville Blackhawks
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Developed and executed GPS monitoring and athletic development systems to optimize player readiness.
- Led multidisciplinary performance staff to enhance training outcomes.
- Incorporated specialised wrestle and collision coaching into rugby league to elevate competitive performance.
- Directed all physical preparation for ISC, Under-20 and Under-18 squads.
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Norths Devils RLFC
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Rehab Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Developed and implemented contact programs for ISC, Under-20, and Under-18 squads, promoting competitive performance.
- Assisted physical preparation for ISC, Under-20, and Under-18 squads, enhancing athlete readiness.
- Introduced specialized wrestle and collision coaching into rugby league performance.
- Gained experience with representative teams, contributing to high-level coaching environments.
Education
Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science -
Australian Catholic University
01-2014
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt -
ASCA Level 2 Coach -
Sports Trainer Level 1 -
First Aid -
Skills
- Performance & Collision Coaching
- Tackle Technique & Wrestle Systems
- High-Performance Programming
- Strength & Conditioning
- Return to Play Planning
- Athlete Development Pathways
- Contact Load Monitoring
- Performance Analysis
- Coach & Staff Collaboration
Personal Information
Title: High-Performance Contact Performance Consultant | Strength & Conditioning Coach | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Core Expertise
- High-Performance Coaching
- Contact Performance
- Collision Skill Development
- Strength & Conditioning Coaching
- Athlete Monitoring
- Performance Analysis
- Return to Play
- Rehabilitation Coordinator
- Coach Development
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Expertise
Representative Team Experience
- Mate Ma’a Tonga, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, 2017 Rugby League World Cup
- Mate Ma’a Tonga, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, 2019 Oceania Cup
Timeline
Club Contact Coach
St. George Illawarra Dragons
01.2025 - Current
Strength, Conditioning & Contact Coach
North Queensland Cowboys
01.2020 - 12.2024
Strength, Conditioning, Contact & Wrestle Coach
New Zealand Warriors
01.2018 - 12.2020
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Townsville Blackhawks
01.2016 - 12.2018
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Norths Devils RLFC
01.2014 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science -
Australian Catholic University