Two NRL clubs make ‘serious inquiries’ as Eddie Jones’ code switch builds momentum

The axed England rugby coach is known to be interested in an NRL coaching gig – now it appears clear the interest goes both ways.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 19, 2022 England's head coach Eddie Jones looks on during warm up prior to the Six Nations rugby union tournament match between France and England at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. - Eddie Jones was dismissed as England rugby coach, England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) said in a statement on December 6, 2022. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP)

Speculation is building that axed England rugby union coach Eddie Jones will soon end up coaching in the NRL after two clubs reached out to the veteran mentor.

Jones was sacked by England just months out from what would have been his second World Cup at the helm, with a handsome $1 million plus payout softening the blow.

Jones revealed previously that he has a soft spot for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and would love the chance to coach in the NRL one day.

Speaking on SEN 1170, veteran rugby league reporter Michelle Bishop said two NRL teams have reached out to Jones about coaching positions.

“I can confirm two NRL clubs have made serious inquiries about luring Eddie Jones to the NRL to coach their clubs,” Bishop told SEN radio.

“They’re investigating the possibility and they are very serious about it.”

The former Wallabies boss has a background in rugby league and is similar to another former Australian coach, Michael Cheika, who coached Lebanon at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

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Eddie Jones has ambitions to coach in the NRL.

“He (Eddie Jones) is no stranger to the game,” Bishop said.

“He had a lot to do with rugby league in his earlier days.

“I see him as a bit of a Michael Cheika. He is a good manager, you saw Michael Cheika at the World Cup with Lebanon.

“He didn’t profess to know everything about rugby league, but he was the game manager.

“He had Matt King, Robbie Farah, he employed good people around him to get the job done.

“I see Eddie Jones as a Bellamy, Bennett, Meninga, good with people and being able to get that side of the job done.

“If he gets the right people around him, I would be excited to be at that rugby league club. I’m a fan.”

Originally published as Two NRL clubs make ‘serious inquiries’ as Eddie Jones’ code switch builds momentum