NRLW poaching raid: Knights set to snare rival coach Ben Jeffries from Cowboys after being granted release

In a move that would dramatically shake up the NRLW landscape, the Knights are poised to land a new head coach, after being granted a release from a rival club.

North Queensland NRLW coach Ben Jeffries (right) has been linked with a move to the Newcastle Knights. Picture: NRL Images

Ben Jeffries is in the box seat to be named NRLW coach at Newcastle after being released from his contract with North Queensland.

On Friday the Cowboys announced he has been released from his contract with the club in a short statement, effective immediately.

“We would like to thank Ben for his service to the club through his roles as both Elite Pathways Coach and most recently NRLW Head Coach,” Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said in the statement.

It leaves the Cowboys without an NRLW coach ahead of next season, which will be the second for the club.

Ben Jeffries is in the box seat to be named NRLW coach at Newcastle after being released from his contract with North Queensland. Picture: NRL Images/

The Knights have yet to make an announcement on the appointment of their coach for next year.

However, it’s understood the club has been in a short negotiation with the Indigenous All Stars coach, seeking a replacement for premiership-winning coach Ron Griffiths.

Jeffries is among a handful of candidates to replace the two-time champion, who has taken up a role with the club’s NSW Cup side.

Newcastle is a handy fit for Jeffries. During his playing days he played lower grades at Newcastle and was raised in nearby Forster.

Originally published as NRLW poaching raid: Knights set to snare rival coach Ben Jeffries from Cowboys after being granted release