Is your NRL coach safe? We rank the NRL sack race for 2018
ONE week you’re a genius, the next, you’re a dead man walking. PAUL CRAWLEY runs a rule over who’s safe and who’s not in the cutthroat world of NRL coaches ...
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PAUL CRAWLEY runs a rule over who’s safe and who’s not in the always cutthroat world of NRL coaches ...
Broncos: Wayne Bennett
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 10
Even old age is struggling to catch Bennett. Turns 68 in January and continues to defy critics who had him dead and buried at the start of this year. The word was he’d lost his aura and the dressing room. Now he’s 80 minutes away from another grand final. Has the Broncos job as long as he wants it.
Storm: Craig Bellamy
Contract: 2018
Safety rating: 10
More chance of the Yarra freezing over than the Storm sacking Bellyache. The real question is how long he wants to stay. With Cooper Cronk departing and still no word if Billy Slater will play on, you’d expect Bellamy will hang around long enough to usher in the new generation.
Roosters: Trent Robinson
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 10
Five years in the job and Robbo will accrue long service leave by the time he’s done at the Roosters. Players love him and Nick Politis loves winning. Responded to last year’s disappointing 15th finish by getting the Roosters into second spot. Now a game away from the decider.
Cowboys: Paul Green
Contract: 2018
Safety rating: 10
The Cowboys have indicated they want to extend his deal but curiously Green is in no rush. Has also made it known if the Queensland job comes up he’d like a crack, and reckons he can do juggle both. The Cowboys’ performances this year have made Green one of the NRL’s most wanted men.
Eels: Brad Arthur
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 9.5
Earned plenty of praise for guiding the Eels through last year’s salary cap crisis and backing it up this year by taking them into the top four. Loved by the fans, adored by the players and respected by chairman Max Donnelly and chief executive Bernie Gurr. As long as Donnelly and Gurr are in control, Arthur isn’t going anywhere.
Raiders: Ricky Stuart
Contract: 2020
Safety rating: 8
Has a contract for three more seasons and the backing of the club. After their disappointing year there is pressure on everyone at the Raiders. That doesn’t mean the coach will be under pressure to keep his job. Canberra love Ricky Stuart, even if outsiders don’t.
Sea Eagles: Trent Barrett
Contract: 2018
Safety rating: 7.5
Started this year under the pump but now generating plenty of interest from rival clubs. Negotiating an extension beyond the end of next year and Manly would be smart to lock him up sooner rather than later. Exceeded expectations by making the top eight.
Sharks: Shane Flanagan
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 7.5
Flanagan is contracted for two more years and you wouldn’t think he’s going anywhere after last year’s premiership breakthrough. Still, you only have to look at Michael Maguire’s recent sacking to know that only sustained success brings security in coaching.
Tigers: Ivan Cleary
Contract: 2020
Safety rating: 7
Has already won over the fans and has respect from the players. Cleary took on the NRL’s toughest position but towards the back end of the season we started to see positive signs. Finally, the club has given the coach power over the players. Even if they don’t make the eight, Cleary’s safe for 2019.
Panthers: Anthony Griffin
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 5.5
The club keeps saying there’s no drama between the coach and players but plenty swear that’s a smokescreen. Ryan Girdler ripped into Griffin after last week’s finals exit, saying the team hasn’t improved. In Griffin’s favour is the fact the board recently pushed through a two-year extension.
Dragons: Paul McGregor
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 5
Deserved his two-year extension but there will be pressure on McGregor in 2018 after the Dragons missed the top eight. Also, before Des Hasler’s deal was extended at the Dogs, there was speculation the Dragons were showing interest. Mary needs to make the finals next year.
Knights: Nathan Brown
Contract: 2018
Safety rating: 5
Coming off contract but wouldn’t be surprised if new owner Wests Group gives him another year before the start of 2018 to give Brown more time to get it right. Has a stack of good young talent but they’re still lacking experience. Impressed everyone with the Knights’ gutsy style of footy.
Rabbitohs: Anthony Seibold
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 4
Everyone says Seibold is a great coach in the making. Still, it’s a huge gamble putting a bloke with so little experience into the hot seat at one of the game’s most scrutinised clubs. And he’s replacing a man who was sacked three years after he took the Rabbitohs to their first premiership in 43 years.
Warriors: Stephen Kearney
Contract: 2019
Safety rating: 3.5
If you don’t feel sorry for Stephen Kearney you aren’t human. Every Warriors coach in history has struggled to unlock the key to these underachievers. It’s unfair to hold him accountable for the club’s erratic DNA but that won’t help Kearney if the Warriors don’t dramatically improve.
Bulldogs: TBC
Just sacked Des Hasler and don’t plan to announce his replacement for at least another week. Whoever gets the job will be up against it with time running out to establish a new coaching structure. On the field, Kieran Foran will be the key to their success and that’s no safe bet.
Titans: TBC
The mail is it’s Kevin Walters’ job if he wants it but he has stated his preference to continue coaching Queensland. Wayne Bennett’s assistant Andrew Demetriou has been interviewed, as have the Walker brothers. It’s astonishing the club sacked Neil Henry without a plan in place.
Originally published as Is your NRL coach safe? We rank the NRL sack race for 2018
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