‘Genuine interest’: Brett Kimmorley puts his hand up to coach the Sky Blues, receives blessing from the Wests Tigers to juggle both roles

A former halfback has put his hand up to coach the NSW women’s State of Origin side next year as they search for Kylie Hilder’s replacement.

Wests Tigers NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley has confirmed his interest in replacing Kylie Hilder as NSW women’s State of Origin coach, with the former Blues halfback getting the full support of his club if he’s approached for the role.

Kimmorley played 10 games for his state and is now in the mix to replace Hilder, who stood down after four years at the helm, with the halfback in charge of the NRLW side for two seasons after filling in as the interim NRL coach in 2022.

The Sky Blues haven’t lifted the trophy since 2022, with expressions of interest open to see who wants to lead them going forward.

The Sky Blues are looking for a new coach after Kylie Hilder stood down. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

NRLW premiership-winning coach John Strange has been mentioned, as has Jillaroos legend Ruan Sims.

Kimmorley is also in the mix and says he’d be keen given the three-game series, which begins on May, 1 won’t clash with the NRLW competition that kicks off on July 3.

“I think it’s of some genuine interest,” he said.

“I was fortunate in my career to be able to play for NSW and to spend a little bit of time with the squad last year because obviously we have a couple of players from our NRLW side who were part of that NSW side.

“Richo (Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson) has asked that I stay totally open and honest with him in conversations, but I haven’t been approached (by NSWRL) and I have no idea where that currently sits.

“Am I interested? Yeah. The good part about it as well is that it wouldn’t have any impact with NRLW because State of Origin for the women’s program only takes up the first two weeks of pre-season, so I can do my role and I think it’d be a great opportunity to be part of that State of Origin program as well.”

Brett Kimmorley is no stranger to State of Origin having played 10 games for NSW.

Kimmorley has received support from Tigers star Kezie Apps, while Richardson has also given him his blessing to pursue the role if he wants it.

“From the club’s point of view, we’re fully supportive if ‘Noddy’ (Kimmorley) was approached,” he said as the Tigers announced a new three-year deal with Pepper Money as the club’s major sponsor.

“He hasn’t been, as you know, but we’d be fully supportive if he is.”