The Big O’s 15 to 1: The players who returned to their NRL club as a coach

Making your mark at an NRL club as a player is one thing. Returning to do the same as a coach is a wholly different challenge. SEE WHO MADE THE BIG O’S LIST.

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Players to have coached at the club they once played for since 1960

15. IVAN CLEARY: The Warriors’ longest-serving coach took his side to a surprise grand final in 2011.

14. TIM SHEENS: The Dally M coach of the year in 1984 before guiding Penrith to their inaugural finals appearance the next season.

13. GEOFF TOOVEY: Had an excellent record at the club he bled for, Manly, playing finals every year bar one.

12. PAUL GREEN: In just his second year, he coached the Cowboys to their maiden premiership in 2015. Also a runner-up finish two years later.

11. MICHAEL HAGAN: Made a stunning start to his coaching tenure, winning a title at Newcastle in an upset over the Eels in 2001.

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Des Hasler brings glory back to Manly in 2011.

10. STEVE FOLKES: Twelve years as a player winning four titles and then 11 seasons as Bulldogs coach, the highlight being their 2004 title.

9. CHRIS ANDERSON: Yet another premiership-winning player and coach of Canterbury.

8. HARRY BATH: Took a young St George side labelled Bath’s babes to premiership glory in 1977. Two years later, his Dragons beat the Bulldogs in the decider.

7. DES HASLER: Had two stints at Manly as a player and then as a coach, winning a total of four premierships.

6. FRANK STANTON: The Eagles were the dominant side of the 1970s with ‘’Biscuits’’ in charge of their 1976 and ‘78 triumphs.

Phil Gould is hugged by Brad Izzard (L) Greg Alexander after Penrith’s 1991 triumph.

5. RON WILLEY: His winning record as Manly coach between 1970-74 was a staggering 72 per cent. They played finals every year, culminating with two titles.

4. PHIL GOULD: Gus played at Penrith and at Canterbury with the distinction of winning titles as a coach at both clubs.

3. BOB FULTON: Yet another Manly player, having success at the club he played for winning two premierships. Also took Easts to the 1980 grand final.

2. JACK GIBSON: In 1966, Easts didn’t win a match. Under Gibson, they made the semis the following year. His premiership-winning Roosters sides of 1974-75 were some of the greatest of all.

1. CLIVE CHURCHILL: By sheer weight of numbers, I couldn’t go past the Little Master. Between 1967-1971, he coached Souths to 93 wins and just 23 losses, winning four titles along the way.