London Broncos have insisted that it was always part of the plan for Joe Grima to take over as head coach, writes Dave Lawrenson.
Grima, who was previously the club's assistant coach, took the reins this week following the departure of Rea.
He will take charge of the team for the rest of this season and next.
Chairman David Hughes said: “Tony was instrumental in saving the club. So it’s a big thank you to him for assembling the squad and putting us in a position to go forward.
“We’re about halfway through our season and it was always intended that Joey would take over as head coach.”
Broncos go for their first win of a disappointing campaign against Huddersfield Giants at the Hive on Saturday.
It will be Grima's first match at the helm having joined the coaching staff at the start of the year.
Grima comes with a rich coaching pedigree in Australia’s NRL competition. He spent 19 years at Parramatta, was at Cronulla for three years and joined the Broncos from St George Illawarra Dragons, where he was assistant coach.
Rea, whose association with the club goes back to 1995 and includes spells as a player, coach and chief executive, said: “It was always intended that I wouldn’t be here next year.
“In planning for the future, both short and long term, we thought it was best for all of us, the club and myself, that we give Joey the opportunity to take the club on.”
