Former NRL player Mat Rogers believes a code switch to the NRL would be a great move for former England rugby union coach Eddie Jones.
The Australian was ousted from his role in early December after England suffered their worst season of results since 2008 with five wins in 12 Tests in 2022.
While Jones’ success with the nation of late has done little to grab the attention of rival countries, many believe a return to Rugby Australia may be on the cards for the former Wallabies coach. Jones led Australia between 2001 and 2005.
However, the 62-year-old has also revealed his lifelong love for rugby league, prompting many to believe he may convert to the NRL.
“If there was an opportunity there (in the NRL) I would jump at it, but the reality is it’s probably not going to be there,” Jones previously told Rugby League News.
Rogers, 46, starred for the Cronulla Sharks between 1995 and 2001 but converted to union in 2002, where he experienced Jones’ expertise first-hand.
“I’ve been asked this before and I think he’d be good,” Rogers told Sportsday NSW.
“I think the game is not as hard a game technically as rugby union, and you do have assistant coaches for the technical roles.
“But as a motivator of men, as a man who can bring players together, as a man that gets the best out of someone, I don’t think I’ve played under a better coach.
“That’s the best coaches … that’s what Wayne Bennett does, that’s what Craig Bellamy does … Trent Robinson (they all motivate their players).”
It remains to be seen where Jones will end up, however, with the 2023 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, a decision on his coaching future seems imminent.