Coaching great Warren Ryan joins New South Wales at training ahead of Origin decider

Two-time premiership winner Warren Ryan, one of the best coaches of his era, was a special guest at Blues training ahead of the Origin decider.

Former rugby league coach Warren Ryan watches on training with Andrew Johns during NSW Origin training and media at Coogee Oval, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

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Two-time premiership winning coach Warren Ryan was a keen onlooker at Blues training yesterday and imparted his advice to the NSW coaching staff.

Ryan braved the wet conditions after the Eastern Suburbs resident was invited by NSW assistant coach Andrew Johns. Johns played under Ryan for two seasons at the Knights before Ryan stepped away from full-time coaching at the end of 2000 after a decorated career — his 415 top grade games has him fifth of all-time.

Ryan was close-up with the Blues staff during the early stages of the skills session yesterday before taking a position behind the posts to watch the team go through the rest of their ball-work session.

Warren Ryan was a special guest at training. Picture by Brett Costello.

He chatted closely with Johns and Blues Adviser Greg Alexander throughout and was also seen speaking with Mark Gasnier.

Alexander said it was a great opportunity to pick the brain of Ryan.

“Basically we spoke about players’ strengths,” Alexander said. “The individuals in the side and what they are good at and different aspects of the game. We spoke about the last two games.

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“I love listening to him. I’m glad Joey (Johns) brought him down.”

The Blues had an intense two hour session at Coogee Oval. They will have Saturday off before returning to camp later Sunday night.

Ryan coached the Knights in 1999 and 2000. Picture by Robert McKell.

Ryan politely laughed off a request to comment when approached by The Daily Telegraph at the end of Blues training. He left with Johns who was shadowing his former mentor.

“We spoke about everything,” Alexander said. “His read on the modern game. Also comparing with what it was like in the past. Certain players and what they were good at.

“We spoke about the current side. When Warren worked at the ABC I used to go into the ABC box regularly and chat with Wok (Ryan). It was always good to get his take on things.

“He is a smart man.”

Originally published as Coaching great Warren Ryan joins New South Wales at training ahead of Origin decider