NRL 2025: Former Blues halfback Brett Kimmorley puts hand up for NSW Women’s State of Origin coaching job

The NSW Blues are on the hunt for two State of Origin coaches after the loss of Michael Maguire and Kylie Hilder. But a former halfback is ready and willing to solve one problem.

Wests Tigers NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley has put his hand up to coach the NSW Women’s Origin team. Picture: Getty Images

Wests Tigers NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley has declared his interest in coaching the NSW Origin women’s team in 2025, saying he wants to bring success back to the state.

On Thursday the former Blues halfback said he would love the chance to coach NSW after being involved as an assistant in camp to Kylie Hilder earlier this season.

Hilder’s recent exit from the job after back-to-back losses and just one win in four series has left NSWRL in a position to find men’s and women’s head coaches for 2025, with Michael Maguire leaving after one series to coach Brisbane.

But Kimmorley, who played 10 games for NSW between 2000 and 2010, is available to fix one problem.

“Now that Kylie has stood down there’s an opportunity there for someone, and I think it would be exciting,” he said.

Wests Tigers NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley has put his hand up to coach the NSW Women’s Origin team. Picture: Getty Images

“I’ve been around NRLW now for a couple of years and around NRL coaching for a long time, we haven’t won it from a NSW point of view for a little while, so I would have a huge interest.

“As far as I know there’s a job there, and who’s getting it, I don’t know. “If I end up being the right person for the job and they think that, it would be a great opportunity.”

NSWRL are understood to be open to an NRLW head coach taking on the role, with Roosters premiership-winning coach John Strange and Cronulla’s Tony Herman the other contenders.

The three-game Origin series starts on May 1, which coincides with the NRLW pre-season, with the new 12-team competition kicking off later in July.

Kimmorley has coached the Tigers’ NRLW side for two seasons but would love to guide the game’s elite.

‘Noddy’ played ten games for NSW between 2000 and 2010. Picture: Craig Wilson

“The eliteness of it and knowing what a State of Origin feels like and what that environment is, representing your teammates, yourself but also your state,” he said when asked about his interest in the role.

“I have an understanding of all that and how it feels and the excitement of what Origin is all about.

“I’d love to get success back for NSW.

“I’ve been coaching in some regards for 14 years since retiring so I have enough knowledge, not only just being a player but being in all different roles at clubs to understand how everyone thinks and coaches.

“Being around them this year was enjoyable and exciting.

“You’re there to assist someone else but being in charge and creating it all would be pretty special.”

Tigers CEO Shane Richardson also endorsed Kimmorley, saying he would have support to balance both roles.

“From the club’s point of view, we’re fully supportive if Noddy was approached, we’d be fully supportive of Noddy to do that job,” he said.

Originally published as NRL 2025: Former Blues halfback Brett Kimmorley puts hand up for NSW Women’s State of Origin coaching job