NSWRL board eyes part-time Origin coaches

Sep 21, 2017 - 8:25 AM The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) could throw out its seven-year policy of a full-time State of Origin coach when the board meets on Friday.

In its first sit-down since Laurie Daley was sacked last month as Blues coach, the board will pick apart Brian Canavan's 2010 review into the state's Origin woes.

That document recommended NSW adopt Queensland's policy of a full-time coach in the top job, if they were to end the Maroons' Origin dominance.

But after six series losses in seven years, it's understood the board is leaning towards scrapping that policy and opening the door for far more candidates.

Blues legend Brad Fittler is still favourite to take the role, but Craig Fitzgibbon, Geoff Toovey and Dean Pay remain other options.

Des Hasler is a further option after being sacked by Canterbury.

Intriguingly, Bulldogs boss Ray Dib sits on the NSWRL board, while George Peponis shares the roles of being chairman of the NSWRL and Canterbury Leagues Club.

However, Peponis has already shot down suggestions to News Corp Australia that Hasler could be given an easier shot at the Blues' job in a bid to ease simmering tensions at the Bulldogs after his axing.

It's understood the board is yet to start speaking to possible candidates, but the Blues' hierarchy do want to decide on Daley's replacement before the end of the year.

Decisions on issues such as camp lengths, locations and support staff won't be made until after a new coach is appointed.

Source: AAP