Following Wayne Bennett’s decision to return to the Brisbane Broncos, the Newcastle Knights find themselves without a coach for next season and lacking direction.
Below are those thought to be in the running for the top job at Newcastle next year.
Rick Stone
Many consider Stone the obvious choice after being pushed out of the job by Bennett a few years ago.
After taking over the role from ousted coach Brian Smith in 2009, Stone led the Knights to a brief finals appearance where the Melbourne Storm (eventual and disgraced premiers) eliminated them.
Stone has successfully juggled two coaching roles since the arrival of Bennett at the Knights, as the head coach of the Knights NSW Cup side and as coach of the Fiji Bati, who made it to the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup last year.
Comments made by various players at the club indicate Stone has the backing of the players and therefore finds himself in the box seat to be the coach of the Knights in 2015.
Garth Brennan
Who? While most will not know his name nor his face, the former lower grade Newcastle player and recent premiership-winning Penrith under-20s coach is one of the firm favourites to replace Bennett.
Coincidentally, it was the arrival of Wayne Bennett in 2011 that led to Brennan being told his services were no longer needed at the Knights, despite some strong performances in charge of the under-20s side.
Brennan is now coaching the top-of-the-table Panthers NSW Cup side, which leads many to believe he will be the next coach at the Knights.
Verdict: A fall-back option if Stone was to not get the top role.
Brett Kimmorley
The six-game Newcastle Knights player’s name has emerged as a contender for the top job in recent days, having stated he intends to keep coaching after finishing his two-year deal as assistant at the Canberra Raiders.
A player who boasted a refined game, Kimmorley is yet to experience coaching at the top level and with a squad that will need some gap filling and has struggled with incidents on and off the field in the last year, it is hard to see Matthew Gidley and the NRL deciding that Kimmorley is the best option.
Verdict: Could be the assistant at Newcastle in 2015.
Mick Potter
After a tumultuous first year at the Tigers, Potter and his side have found their feet this year, in what looks like a log-jam in the middle of the NRL table.
A recent run of poor performances, which coincided with losing star players Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods (both to State of Origin), and Braith Anasta (bicep injury) sees Potter’s contract extension in serious doubt, with players pushing for assistant and club great Todd Payton to be given the top job.
With a raft of young talent including Mitchell Moses, Blake Austin and Luke Brooks making up three-quarters of the side’s spine, it would come of great shock to me if the Tigers were to not offer Potter an extension. But will the uncertainty about his job next year force Potter to look for other coaching opportunities?
Verdict: Who knows?
Other names being thrown about for the vacant Knights job include Tim Sheens, Anthony Griffin and Steve Price.
Who of the above do you think is most likely to get the nod for the Knights next season?
Michael Georgiou
Roar Guru
Surely an offer to coach in the NRL would outweigh any negative feelings he may still have towards the club though?
Michael Georgiou
Roar Guru
I tend to think the same now but then again when it was announced Bennett was going to coach us for 4 years I was beside myself!
Knightblues
Guest
I don't think Brennan would want the job after the shabby treatment he got from the Knights.
Knightblues
Guest
agreed, Bennett's attacking style just didn't suit the knights, he should have drilled them in defence his way, but let them play with much more freedom in attack.
Ryan
Guest
We should never have let Stone go for Bennett, worst decision ever. Tinker the fool !
Mr Brown
Roar Pro
The answer is Sheenius.
Craig
Guest
Bring back rick stone leave Brett kimmorley peeling oranges
Knightblues
Guest
Well if they don't pick stone again we will have the same team not wanting to go out and play, look at the turn around in attitude as soon as Bennett said he was quitting the club.
Ben Habbkouk
Guest
I really think Stone should be rewarded for his time under Bennett. He happily stepped aside for him when the Bennett circus rolled up so now I think its his turn to rebuild the squad and club for the future
Mike Nolan
Guest
would be awesome to c Stone get the top job with Brennan as his assistant for 2015
John Hamilton
Guest
Ricky Stuart to walk out of the Raiders and somehow convince Newcastle he's da man
James
Guest
I seem to get the feeling that if Stone doesn't get the job, there will be backlash towards the club - Stone to coach in 2015!
Smurf
Guest
I'd would love to see Stone have a crack at the top job again but also think Brennan is a good option...
Johnny
Guest
would love to see Stone get the top job with Brennan as his assistant for 2015
Mitchy
Guest
Anthony Griffin is off contract soon. He might sound a bit like Wayne though....Newcastle might not like that
Sushi
Guest
Stone will come back no problem, hes worked with the team before, and he'll do it again.
MAX
Guest
Newcastle is fortunate to have these three outstanding applicants. Tigers need Potter to stay. As for the other 3... The Knights would have to be crazy. Ironically, thanks to WB, Garth has had the opportunity to see first hand the talent pool which will be needed to re- build Newcastle. That may be to his advantage Gidley visited Penrith to get the opinion of Gus and Ivan on Garth's suitability. Good fortune awaits the Club which obtains the services of Garth Brennan.
old guys rule
Guest
Newcastle fought back you know,when BHP hit the toe The earthquake was bad I am told still the Hunter Old kept out the cold We had the Chief and Sarge in days of old and Joeys team would never fold. Our coach has packed his bags to go for we don,t play his way you know He has gone home they say and we will charge into the fray. First the Roosters then the rest for the Newcastle Knights are the best.