NRL coaching logjam: Craig Bellamy’s heir apparent, Billy Slater the hottest coach in rugby league

He’s the little-known assistant now odds on to be the next coach of Melbourne, but Queensland coach Billy Slater is rising to the top of most clubs’ hit-lists. Every coach queuing for an NRL gig.

Marc Brentnall has emerged as the man most likely to replace Craig Bellamy in Melbourne while South Sydney interim Ben Hornby is threatening to leapfrog his way to the front of the coaching queue following Jason Ryles’ decision to join Parramatta.

Ryles has long been considered the next man up in the assistant coaching ranks, having served a decorated apprenticeship at Melbourne and the Sydney Roosters.

His appointment as Eels coach means Josh Hannay, Michael Maguire and Hornby are now next in line as a logjam of mentors jostle for their chance.

Hannay was pipped by Ryles to the Eels job, Maguire has done a sterling job with NSW and Hornby has been on fire since taking over as interim coach at South Sydney, reviving its finals aspirations.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, Brentnall has been quietly going about his business under Bellamy and with Ryles’ departure, he has emerged as the frontrunner to take over at the Storm once Bellamy decides to stand aside.

The only wildcard is Queensland coach Billy Slater, who would be at the top of most clubs’ hit-lists but has shown little inclination to become a head coach.

THE CHOSEN ONE

Slater is the most coveted coach in the game, his performance since taking over as Queensland coach putting him on the radar of every NRL club.

To this point, Slater has shown no desire to become an NRL head coach, preferring to juggle his duties with Queensland and Channel 9.

If Slater was to change his mind, he would instantly be in demand. His record with the Maroons has been almost impeccable.

Billy Slater is becoming a hot commodity. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Even a heavy defeat to NSW in Origin II this year has failed to diminish his standing, although another loss would represent the first serious setback in what has been an outstanding start to his coaching career.

Over the past year, St George Illawarra and Parramatta have both asked the question of Slater and been politely told he has no interest in the NRL.

The Storm would take a serious look at Slater if he was to change his mind but at this stage, that appears unlikely.

THE TRIED AND TESTED

Maguire has begun to rebuild his career in State of Origin, showing a side of his personality that was rarely seen in clubland in recent years as he faced unrelenting pressure on his position at Wests Tigers.

He was in the mix for the Parramatta job but withdrew to focus on his commitments with NSW. Since then, he has launched some grenades at the Maroons and a win in Origin III would complete his redemption and make him a coveted coach once again.

Brad Arthur, Justin Holbrook, Jason Demetriou and Trent Barrett are among the other former NRL coaches keen to get back on the horse.

Arthur, who recently parted ways with Parramatta, will spend coming months at English club Leeds attempting to revive their fortunes.

Holbrook has been an assistant at Sydney Roosters since leaving the Gold Coast while Barrett is the interim at the Eels and craved the top job, only to miss out to Ryles.

Ryles is in the process of putting together his coaching staff for next season and Barrett may be part of it. Demetriou parted ways with Souths on April 30 but before that he led the club to the finals and almost a grand final. All will come under consideration should a head coaching position arise in the near future.

NEXT IN LINE

Hannay almost landed the Eels job while Dean Young was in the mix following a strong recommendation from Wayne Bennett.

The man pushing his case quietly but based on results is Hornby, who should now be catapulted to the top of the list when it comes to clubs looking to secure their next head coach.

Since taking over from Demetriou, Hornby has transformed Souths and some of their biggest names. Latrell Mitchell is back to his best, the Rabbitohs are purring and Hornby has looked at home at the helm of Souths.

As far as auditions for head coaching jobs go, he could have done no more. Brett White and Matt King – both part of Maguire’s NSW set-up – now have enough experience to ensure they are considered the next time a job becomes available.

John Morris has given his commitment to the Tigers for the next few seasons but those around him know he is ready for another crack in the NRL while Brentnall is now the likely Bellamy replacement should that day ever arise.

Then there is Sam Burgess. The South Sydney legend has been a revelation since moving to England to take over at Warrington, leading the club into the top three.

Burgess was one of the most inspiring players of his generation and he looks to have the Midas touch as a coach.

EMERGING COACHES

These are the coaches who are putting in the hard yards but are probably a few years away from making their case to be a head coach.

Ben Gardiner is working closely with Ivan Cleary at Penrith and has a head start on his rivals by taking control of the Samoan national team.

Ryan Carr has had a taste of first grade after doing a good job for the Dragons as interim coach last season while Brett Morris is continuing his development by taking charge of the Roosters’ NSW Cup side.

Blake Green is highly regarded in Newcastle and it is considered just a matter of time before he steps up into the top job at a club.