Weeks after coach Brad Fittler stepped down from his role, the NSW Blues are still searching for his replacement ahead of the 2024 State of Origin series.
With a lack of genuine candidates putting their hand up for the job, Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy immediately stood out as ideal replacements.
As Stuart formally ruled himself out of the race, he suggested Brisbane Broncos assistant coach John Cartwright to take up the role.
“When Freddy stood down, I was initially just talking to Ricky Stuart about it and where he stood,” Cartwright told SEN 1170 Sportsday.
“He was sort of thinking that it maybe would be something he would be interested in… Ricky’s an all-in or all-out type of guy, that’s what he said to me.
“He told me, ‘I’m either all into it’, which is going to affect his Raiders job, ‘Or I’m out’.
“Then he said, ‘Would you consider doing it?’, and I said, ‘I’d love to do it’.” Cartwright admitted he has opened conversations with NSWRL CEO David Trodden and will now have to patiently wait as the Blues evaluate all their options.
“I just had a quick talk to Dave Trodden and I think now they just go through their process with the CEO and the board,” Cartwright added.
“It’s probably just a phone call, I don’t think there’s going to be an interview process.
“I think they’ll get all the candidates together; they know what everyone’s done and they’ll make a choice from there.”
NSWRL released a statement a week after Fittler’s departure inviting all interested coaches to formally express their interest in the job.