Paul McGregor, Des Hasler, Jason Taylor headline list of NRL coaches on hot seat in 2017
COACHING in the NRL is so treacherous it should come with a safety warning, so we’ve provided one for each of the 16 clubs.
PAUL McGregor doesn’t need anyone telling him how cutthroat coaching can be.
Less than 12 months after taking St George Illawarra to the play-offs against all the odds, Red V fans were calling for his head.
He has survived but for how long?
And then there is Des Hasler. Two grand finals and three other playoff appearances in his five years at the Bulldogs yet he is no certainty to see out next season let alone earn a new contract.
Just how safe is your team’s coach in 2017?
SQUADS: Every team for the Auckland Nines
SUPERCOACH: Its back!
PAUL McGREGOR (Dragons)
Despite missing the eight by just three points last season, he had Red V fans baying for blood and he needs wins and a far a more adventurous attacking mindset in 2017 if he is to survive.
Safety rating: 2.5 (out of 10)
DES HASLER (Bulldogs)
Unsigned for 2018 and already under pressure. Has had his power eroded with wholesale coaching staff changes and things could deteriorate quickly if results don’t come early.
Safety rating: 3
JASON TAYLOR (Tigers)
Has been fearless in his quest to rid the club of Robbie Farah but with the hooker finally gone, Tigers fans will be expecting results. If they don’t come, expect the knives to come out.
Safety rating: 4.5
TRENT BARRETT (Sea Eagles)
Will be given time but the jury is out after a tough coaching debut that ended in a 13th-placed finish. The Brookvale faithful’s patience will be tested if there is not a marked improvement in 2017.
Safety rating: 5
NATHAN BROWN (Knights)
No coach faces a greater challenge with a rookie squad that managed one win and a draw last season. Brown’s rebuild has widespread support but a third straight wooden spoon would stir things up.
Safety rating: 6
STEPHEN KEARNEY (Warriors)
The former Kiwi coach is looking to succeed where others have failed. Just 10 wins in 42 games as coach of the Eels in 2010-11 doesn’t exude confidence but has a three-year deal so has been given time.
Safety rating: 7
TRENT ROBINSON (Roosters)
A premiership and three minor titles before a disastrous 2016. Hard to see the Roosters not bouncing back but there will be some pressure on if they don’t.
Safety rating: 7
ANTHONY GRIFFIN (Panthers)
Ivan Cleary wasn’t expecting Gus Gould’s axe to fall 12 months ago but his predecessor won’t suffer a similar fate while the team performs like they did last season and he stays on Gus’s good side.
Safety rating: 8
NEIL HENRY (Titans)
Took his side to the playoffs in an outstanding coaching feat last season and provided Jarryd Hayne does as he’s told and stays away from “known criminals”, they could surprise and be thereabouts again.
Safety rating: 8
MICHAEL MAGUIRE (Souths)
His side was one of the big disappointments last season but showed some grit to win their last four games. That counted for plenty because barring a serious falling-out with Russell Crowe, he will now be at Redfern until the end of 2019.
Safety rating: 8
PAUL GREEN (Cowboys)
His side’s title defence fell one game short and there is no suggestion the Cowboys will be anything but a major threat again while Johnathan Thurston stays healthy and is running the show.
Safety rating: 9
BRAD ARTHUR (Eels)
Enhanced his reputation during Parramatta’s crisis-torn 2016 season. Faces expectation in 2017 but Arthur has shown he can drag the best out of his players no matter how tough the going is.
Safety rating: 9.5
WAYNE BENNETT (Broncos)
Missed the top four last season and retired forward Corey Parker will be a big loss. Just what Benji Marshall brings will be intriguing but Bennett is going nowhere unless he decides he’s had enough.
Safety rating: 9.5
SHANE FLANAGAN (Sharks)
After ending Cronulla’s 49-year wait for a title, there is more chance of a fair dinkum Harold Holt sighting in the Shire than Flanagan falling foul of the powers that be at the Sharks.
Safety rating: 10
CRAIG BELLAMY (Storm)
The best coach in the business approaching his 15th season at the helm. His players clearly never tire of him and he’ll be the one who ultimately decides when enough is enough.
Safety rating: 10
RICKY STUART (Raiders)
Silenced his many critics last season and there is nothing to suggest his side’s great brand of footy won’t take them all the way in 2017.
Safety rating: 10
Originally published as Paul McGregor, Des Hasler, Jason Taylor headline list of NRL coaches on hot seat in 2017