Kieron Purtill was most recently the head coach of the Widnes Vikings in the Championship before resigning in October 2019 after signing a 1 year contract extension only two months prior.

[7] He is the former head coach of both the Canada national rugby league team and the England Knights/Elite Development Squad.

A former scrum half for the Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants and Leigh Centurions, Purtill was forced to retire from playing due to injury and moved into coaching.

Following Sharp's departure from the club in 2008, Purtill had a brief spell as caretaker coach alongside Paul Anderson.

He parted company with St Helens along with Royce Simmons on 18 March 2012 following a run of 5 games without a win.