Four-time grand final coach Brian Smith joins long list of Blues coaching options

As the NSWRL board prepared to discuss Michael Maguire’s replacement this week, a shock contender has been discussed as an option to take over the coveted role.

Brian Smith (C) has thrown his hat in the ring. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Four-time grand final mentor Brian Smith has been discussed as a shock option to take over from Michael Maguire as NSW coach next season.

Smith, 70, will join a queue of strong contenders when the NSWRL board meets on Thursday to formally start talks about Maguire’s replacement.

This masthead has been told Smith would be interested in coaching NSW if approached.

Smith is being discussed along with Laurie Daley, Geoff Toovey, Danny Buderus, Paul McGregor, Mick Ennis, Matt King and Trent Barrett.

Smith was touted as a possible NSW coaching director over then Blues coach Brad Fittler just last year.

A former Souths and St George halfback, Smith reached grand finals as a coach with St George, Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters, losing them all, while also having coaching stints at Newcastle and Illawarra Steelers.

Brian Smith (C) has thrown his hat in the ring. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Smith coached 601 first grade games in Australia between 1984 and 2012, winning 305 for a success rate of 50.7 per cent. He was a two-time Dally M coach of the year award winner.

“I’m told Brian is keen. He has wonderful coaching credentials,” said one source close to discussions.

Smith hasn’t coached at NRL level since leaving the Roosters after 2012 but was the NZ Warriors’ general manager in between 2017 and 2019.

The NSWRL is yet to contact any potential candidates.

Daley has previously coached NSW, winning the 2014 series against arguably one of the greatest Queensland sides.

Former Blues mentor Phil Gould believes current NRL coaches Ivan Cleary, Craig Bellamy or Ricky Stuart should lead the state next season.

But NRL club CEOs have already come forward stating their coaches – given the immense workload involved with Origin – would be unavailable for representative football.

Some candidates may decide to form a partnership with a current NRL coach to enhance their chances.

“Being brutally honest, it needs to be done by a club coach,” Gould said on the Footy Talk podcast. “The only people truly equipped to do that (the NSW job) are the successful coaches in the NRL.

“The successful club coaches in Ivan Cleary, Ricky Stuart and Craig Bellamy are the people that should do it. We have good ones there to use - so use them.”

Smith was previous head coach of US while also enjoying time at Bradford, Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC in England.