NRL 2022: Leeds Rhinos boss Gary Hetherington in Sydney canvassing multiple high-profile coaches

The boss of one of the most successful English clubs in recent times is currently in Australia with one thing in mind - find a new coach - and there are some familiar names on his shopping list.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Sharks coach John Morris talks in the post match press conference after the round 11 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on July 25, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Powerful Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington is in Australia searching for a new head coach.

Hetherington arrived in Sydney earlier this week and is considering a host of possible head coaches for his famous Yorkshire club.

News Corp understands Hetherington has been exploring former Sharks coach John Morris, ex-Dragons coach Paul McGregor, Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo, Roosters assistant Jason Ryles and former Sharks premiership-winning coach, Shane Flanagan.

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Four under review ... Shane Flanagan, Paul McGregor, Jason Ryles, John Morris

Ryan Carr, Parramatta’s assistant coach, is also a strong contender.

Leeds coach Richard Agar stepped down in March with ex-English and Great Britain back-rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan the interim coach.

With the usually successful Leeds struggling enormously in Super League this year, Hetherington is aware he must find a coach with a proven record.

Reports in the English media claim Hetherington is on a “fact-finding” trip to Australia.

Ciraldo appears frontrunner for an NRL head coaching job so would be unlikely to walk away for England. The same could be said for Ryles.

Carr has considerable support while McGregor and Morris could emerge as robust choices. Flanagan has been previously linked to Leeds.

Eels management is aware of Leeds’ interest in Carr. Morris is currently working at South Sydney while Flanagan is employed at the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Like Carr, McGregor is also working as an assistant under head coach Brad Arthur at Parramatta.

Gary Hetheringon having coffee with Peter Peters in Manly back in 2016.

Leeds has won just one of seven games this season and sit in 11th place on the Super League competition table alongside new club, Toulouse.

Hetherington has several close contacts at Manly and will visit Sydney’s northern beaches on Monday, including a tour of the Sea Eagles’ new $33m Centre of Excellence at Brookvale Oval.

“Leeds are virtually the most successful English club over the past 20 years but they’re going through a rough trot at the moment,” said former Manly official and close mate, Peter Peters.

“Gary is here looking at coaching possibilities. He is by far the most respected chief executive in Super League.

“He has a wonderful record with the Leeds Rhinos and is a great friend of the Manly club.

“Gary always visits Manly when in Australia and I understand he will look over the new Centre of Excellence on Monday.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Leeds Rhinos boss Gary Hetherington in Sydney canvassing multiple high-profile coaches