Leeds Rhinos boss Gary Hetherington is in Australia this weekend as he scouts a raft of NRL assistants to become his club’s next head coach.
The power club hasn’t won a Super League championship since 2017 but Hetherington is hoping to bring in a high quality NRL assistant to lead his side back to the top again.
According to SEN’s Michelle Bishop, Hetherington is weighing up options from multiple Sydney-based clubs before heading back to the UK to finalise his decision.
“There could be an English chap sitting in and around the crowds this weekend,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Leeds boss Gary Hetherington is in Australia hunting a new head coach for his team in the Super League.
“Apparently, he’s got his eye on a few people in particular.
“He’s looking at John Morris – who of course is now the assistant with Souths, former Dragons coach Paul McGregor, Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo – his name always comes up, but I can’t see him making a shift overseas.
“If he (Ciraldo) is going to start his (head) coaching career, it’ll be in the NRL, he’s just waiting for his opportunity.
“Roosters assistant Jason Ryles is another one, and Ryan Carr is possibly the frontrunner from Parramatta.
“He (Carr) sort of flies under the radar, nothing is said (about him) but he’s doing a wonderful job.”
Bishop also added that Cronulla premiership coach Shane Flanagan’s name has been mentioned, but she doesn’t expect him to head overseas as he hopes his next job is another NRL gig.
“Of course, every time any kind of coaching job is mentioned Shane Flanagan is mentioned,” Bishop added.
“But I honestly can’t see him packing up and heading overseas, he wants to coach in the NRL.”
Leeds finished the 2021 Super League season in fifth position after losing in the playoffs to eventual champions St Helens.