NRL 2021: Kevin Walters targets talented cast to join Broncos coaching staff
If the Broncos don’t improve next season then it won’t be for the lack of trying to build a formidable team to back up the talents of new coach Kevin Walters. SEE WHO IS IN THE PIPELINE.
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Kevin Walters could unveil a star-studded State of Origin coaching roster when announced as Brisbane head coach on Wednesday.
News Corp has been told former Gold Coast head coach and Manly assistant John Cartwright has become a leading candidate to join Walters’ coaching staff.
And North Queensland interim coach Josh Hannay has also been strongly linked to the Broncos as another assistant coach.
Former Brisbane and NSW lock Terry Matterson is another being mentioned as a possible contender to join Brisbane’s coaching roster, as has former Cowboys and Raiders coach Neil Henry.
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It continues a remarkable merry-go-round of assistant coaches for next season.
While no deal has been struck with Cartwright and Hannay, speculation is increasing that both may secure gigs under Walters.
All three enjoyed wonderful representative careers which included a total of 30 State of Origin games – Walters (20) and Hannay (2) for Queensland, Cartwright (8) for NSW.
Cartwright, who played 185 NRL matches for Penrith, coached Gold Coast to third place in 2009 and fourth spot a year later before then having success as an assistant with North Queensland – during the club’s 2015 premiership-winning season — and Manly.
He still has family on the Gold Coast. Cartwright has previously been linked to Parramatta.
Hannay – who played 153 NRL matches for the Cowboys and Sharks — was North Queensland interim coach after Paul Green was sacked in late July.
During his brief stint in charge, Hannay won two from 10 matches. He was also discussed by St George Illawarra.
The coaching movement this year has been unprecedented.
There remains a position open as an assistant at Penrith with Trent Barrett moving to Canterbury. It has been mooted that Wests Tigers assistant Andrew Webster could shift to the Panthers.
Should Webster shift clubs, there would be a spot available at Concord.
Manly has a position open with Cartwright’s departure but are likely to promote within. Canterbury finalised its coaching team last week.
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Former Canberra and Dragons hooker Simon Woolford may return to the NRL after a successful stint as Huddersfield coach. Woolford is regarded as a future NRL coach.
Newcastle is yet to formally announce a replacement for assistant David Furner, who has joined Barrett at Belmore. Dean Young was touted as a contender but joined North Queensland, as was Steve Kearney, who signed with Melbourne.
A classy Test five-eighth, Walters won six premierships at Brisbane during his 291 first grades games for the club.
Walters is due to be formally named Brisbane coach on Wednesday, narrowly fending off a spirited challenge from Green.