St Helens head coach Nathan Brown to leave at the end of the season

St Helens have announced that head coach Nathan Brown will leave the club at the end of the season to return to his native Australia.

Ahead of the club's first Grand Final appearance for three years at Old Trafford next week, the Saints have confirmed that Brown will go back Down Under for family reasons.

A statement from chairman Eamonn McManus on the club's official website said: "Nathan received our blessing to apply for the Wests Tigers head coaching position and although not successful, the same family reasons for a return home still pertained. We therefore willingly agreed to grant him an early release regardless.

"Nathan has done a great job in rebuilding the St.Helens squad over the last two seasons and we are very strongly positioned indeed for the future. The club's focus is now entirely on winning the Grand Final at Old Trafford next week.

"We are confident and the team is looking forward to this game with absolute determination and focus. As it is Nathan's last game in charge, there is even more to play for and the motivation levels are even higher."

The club have confirmed that a new head coach will be officially appointed during the close-season.