3 minute read

The NRL's coaching merry-go-round is expected to kick off again in the next week, with eight prospective coaches' futures in the air.

WHERE THE COACHES' CHAIRS COULD STOP

* Des Hasler (Manly)

Appears the closest to anyone on the carousel to have his future decided. The two-time premiership-winning mentor looked over the details of an offer from Manly on Monday, but the club's negotiation over Trent Barrett's exit needs to be finalised first.

* Ivan Cleary (Wests Tigers, Penrith)

Has remained silent on the matter since vowing to "honour" his contract in August, but Penrith are confident they'll land their man. Contracted with the Wests Tigers until the end of 2020, it's possible the joint venture will grant him an early release if they can land one of Wayne Bennett or Michael Maguire. No announcement is likely soon, with Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe overseas on a fact-finding trip and both possible replacements on representative duty.

* Wayne Bennett (Brisbane, Wests Tigers)

Avoided questions on his NRL future when asked on Tuesday in England, but it's already confirmed he won't be at Brisbane beyond the end of 2019. Bennett has told Broncos players he will be there next year, but an offer that extends his career beyond that from the likes of the Wests Tigers could be hard to turn down. Regardless, he'd still need a release from Brisbane - meaning they'd need a replacement lined up.

* Anthony Seibold (South Sydney, Brisbane)

Contracted to Souths for another year but is very much in Brisbane's sights. Seen as a possible successor to Bennett at the end of 2020 if he opts to move back north after a successful rookie season at the Rabbitohs. Put contract talk on the backburner during the season, but if he doesn't make a decision to re-sign, South Sydney would need to make a call on whether to keep him for another 12 months.

* Michael Maguire (Wests Tigers, Brisbane)

Maguire has made clear he won't give up the Kiwis job so soon to move back into the NRL, but he is ready to juggle club and representative roles. After claiming he pulled out of the race for Manly, it's now believed Maguire has been interviewed for Brisbane's top job and is a front-runner for the Tigers. The 2014 premiership-winner at Souths also comes with the extra benefit of being available now if needed, handy if either club needs to release their coach.

* Kevin Walters (Brisbane)

Believed to be in the race for the Brisbane top job, after three years of coaching Queensland's State of Origin team. It would be a remarkable return given he quit as an assistant after four rounds there this year, but it's long believed he'd eventually be interested in the top job.

* Jason Demetriou (Brisbane)

Brisbane assistant who took over the team's attack on the departure of Walters earlier this year. Has won NSW and Queensland Cup titles before joining the Broncos at the end of 2016. Would be an outsider for the job, but is considered one of the up-and-coming coaches in waiting if a position opens elsewhere.

* Cameron Ciraldo (Penrith)

Will be Penrith coach next year if they can't secure Ivan Cleary. Regardless, it's anticipated he'll remain on the coaching staff alongside assistant Peter Wallace.