Now that Michael Maguire has shifted his focus from beating Queensland to living there, the NSWRL is looking for a new coach.
The first step in the process begins at a board meeting on Friday when directors put together criteria and a shortlist of candidates. The first decision will be whether to consider head NRL coaches, a call that could dictate whether an approach is made to Ivan Cleary.
The job should be Cleary’s if he wants it. He has overseen four straight premierships, already resides close to NSW’s base in the Blue Mountains and coaches several established Blues players at Penrith, including son and halfback Nathan. However, his sole focus is expected to be on extending a Panthers streak unprecedented in the salary-cap era.
If Cleary is unavailable, there isn’t a standout option. Laurie Daley has done the job in the past, overseeing one series win in five attempts at the height of the Maroons’ storied run. However, a potential stumbling block to a return is his role with Sky Sports radio, where he is a host for the TAB-owned Big Sports Breakfast.
Daley had previously been sounded out about consultancy coaching gigs at several NRL clubs, including Wests Tigers, but the NRL ruled would need to give up the radio role due to a potential conflict of interest.
Whether Daley would be prepared to make that sacrifice, for what the NSWRL now deems a part-time role with a commensurate salary, remains to be seen.
Big shoes to fill: Former NSW coach Michael Maguire.Credit: Janie Barrett
Here is a list of contenders to replace Maguire:
Ivan Cleary: The best-credentialled option after overseeing a fourth-straight Penrith premiership, but is expected to focus solely on further extending that streak next year.
Laurie Daley: Has overseen five NSW campaigns as coach, for a record of six wins and nine losses.
Paul McGregor: One of the few candidates with NRL head-coaching experience. “Mary” also has the benefit of previously being part of the Blues brain’s trust.
Family matters: Could Nathan and Ivan Cleary team up for NSW?Credit: NRL Photos
Matt King: Is highly regarded at the Roosters, where he is an assistant to Trent Robinson. Understands the NSW set-up after serving as an assistant to Michael Maguire.
Trent Barrett: A decorated Blues player with head-coaching experience at three NRL clubs. However, the lack of success at club level could work against him.
Ben Hornby: Filled the void at South Sydney after the club sacked Jason Demetriou. Wayne Bennett has a high opinion of his coaching capabilities.
Dean Young: Was a candidate for the Eels coaching job, which went to Jason Ryles. Has been part of coaching staffs at the Dragons, Cowboys, Tonga and the Indigenous All Stars.
Danny Buderus knows the Blues set up well.Credit: Jessica Hromas
Danny Buderus: A former NSW captain who has retained an involvement with the Blues following his retirement. Well respected, but not expected to throw his hat into the ring.
Michael Ennis: Has proved a sharp analyst during commentary for FOX League and has held consultancy roles with several NRL clubs.
Brett White: Another assistant to Maguire, who played for the Blues and has worked with several NRL clubs post-retirement.
Geoff Toovey: Passionate former player and coach, but hasn’t coached at NRL level for a decade.
Nathan Brown: Has lots of experience in a variety of roles at NRL level, including head coach of three clubs. Recently joined the Eels brains trust.
Josh Jackson: Kicking goals after retiring from football. Recently oversaw Canterbury’s Jersey Flegg triumph in his first coaching gig.
Boyd Cordner: Like Jackson, relatively inexperienced with the clipboard, but has a good footy brain. Perhaps he and Jackson could come as a package deal?
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