NRL: Canterbury sounded out about England rugby union coach Eddie Jones

Canterbury have been sounded out about their interest in Eddie Jones as they mull over the future of Dean Pay.

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is a long-time fan of rugby league.

Canterbury have been formally sounded out about their interest in England rugby union coach Eddie Jones as part of a coaching structure that could involve former Bulldogs halfback Brett Kimmorley and potentially Melbourne assistant Jason Ryles.

The Australian understands the club was told within the past fortnight that Jones would be interested in returning to Australia if an opportunity arose for him in the NRL next season.

Ryles, who is due to join Jones’ England coaching staff at the end of the year, would be a logical addition given his close relationship with the rugby union guru.

Kimmorley retains ties to the Bulldogs and there were rumours recently that he would join the staff under Dean Pay. That never came to fruition, but there are people who are keen to see him take on a bigger role at the club.

Melbourne Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles

For the moment, the focus is on the future of Pay, who is off contract at the end of the season and yet to convince club officials that he is worthy of an extension. The Bulldogs are anchored at the foot of the ladder and their last-start loss to Brisbane means they are four points adrift of the 15th-placed Gold Coast Titans.

The likelihood is that Pay will be told at some point this week that his services will no longer required beyond this year, leaving the club to search for a new head coach.

Former Manly coach Trent Barrett, now an assistant at Penrith, has been prominently linked with the role, although Bulldogs officials insist they are yet to hold talks with any prospective coaches.

The Panthers have confirmed they will not stand in Barrett’s way should an opportunity arise elsewhere. Having departed Manly in contentious circumstances, Barrett has been lauded for his work at Penrith, where he has helped finetune one of the NRL’s most potent attacks.

Former Bulldogs halfback Brett Kimmorley

Speculation on Barrett’s appointment hasn’t stopped the club being inundated with interest from elsewhere. England coach Shaun Wane, who enjoyed rampant success as coach of Super League side Wigan, also has support, is keen to come to Australia and has a highly impressive coaching CV.

He has also shown an interest in the Warriors job. The most left-field suggestions has come from someone purporting to represent Jones, one of the most successful coaches in rugby union but a long-time rugby league fan.

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Jones has remained tight-lipped after being linked with a variety of rugby league roles in recent months. However, the silence has fuelled speculation over his future amid suggestions there is genuine interest in returning to Australia to becoming involved in the NRL.

The Bulldogs need to get their next coaching decision right. They have struggled in recent seasons but have a $3 million war chest at the ready and an appetite to spend it on players who will make them a premiership force.

After only one game, Englishman Luke Thompson looks like a smart buy. He shirked little as he made his debut against Brisbane, making it his mission to take on Tevita Pangai Junior.