The South Sydney Rabbitohs have appointed Scott Murray as Toyota Cup Coach for the 2011 season.

Murray will take over the coaching position from David Kidwell who did an outstanding job coaching the side to the 2010 Toyota Cup minor premiership and Grand Final, alongside Toyota Cup Assistant Coach Ben Gardiner who has been re-appointed to his position for 2011.

Murray has a wealth of experience having previously coached lower grades at the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, taking the Roosters’ Toyota Cup side to their first finals appearance in the competition’s history in 2010.

Murray has deep ties to the South Sydney junior area through his position as the full time Rugby League Co-ordinator and Coach at Matraville Sports High school where his side won the Arrive Alive Cup in 2007.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the exciting crop of young players at the Rabbitohs and helping them to develop into future NRL stars for the Club,” Murray said.

“I’m really happy that I can reconnect with South Sydney having played and coached at the Club and 2011 should be another exciting season for the Rabbitohs Members who follow the Toyota Cup competition.”

South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson says it was important to appoint a coach with strong connections to South Sydney’s Rugby League breeding ground.

“We’re pleased Scott is excited to continue the outstanding young athlete development we have achieved here at the Club and hopefully he can guide the under 20s side to the finals for their third straight season in 2011,” Mr Richardson said.

“Ben did a great job alongside David this season to guide our future stars to the Grand Final and we’re sure that the Murray-Gardiner combination will be a successful team as well.”