Former Queensland fullback Gary Belcher says he’d be stunned if the Cowboys allow Paul Green to moonlight as the Maroons coach next season.
The premiership-winning coach is understood to be considering an offer from the Queensland Rugby League to succeed newly-appointed Australian mentor Mal Meninga in next year’s State of Origin series.
But even if he says yes, Belcher has questioned whether the Cowboys would allow him to double-up in the midst of a premiership defence.
“That’s part of the reason why Mal was so perfect for the role, and it’s why the Blues go with Laurie (Daley),” Belcher told AAP.
“It’s a bigger job than it’s ever been, coaching State of Origin. It’s not just turning up for three different weeks.
“I’d be surprised if the Cowboys released Greeny. I think his first and foremost priority would be to get the Cowboys chasing back-to-back titles.”
Not since Craig Bellamy juggled New South Wales and Melbourne Storm duties in 2008-10 has a coach taken on dual roles at interstate and club level.
Bellamy managed just two wins in nine matches for a success rate of 22 per cent – only Todd Glossop (1980-83) and John Peard (1988) had worse ratios.
But while Belcher thought Green was capable of enjoying success as an Origin coach, he is a firm believer in it being a full-time gig.
“I was involved for a fair while when Wayne Bennett was the coach of the Broncos and for Queensland. It’s a time-consuming role and it’s even moreso now that Origin’s just grown and grown,” he said.
“I think he could do a good job, but he’d do a much better job if he didn’t have a job at the Cowboys.”
The QRL would not confirm whether Green had been tabled with an offer, while the Cowboys also refused to comment.
Long-time Maroons assistant Kevin Walters was deemed a shoe-in for the role following Meninga’s decision to take on the Kangaroos job, but has seemingly been overlooked.
“I thought he was plum for the job, so I’m disappointed for him,” Belcher said.
“I understand the QRL has got to get the right person. I can see why they’d interview Greeny because he’s got pretty good credentials now.”
The Verdict
Guest
Well, according to almost everybody in league circles, it is impossible to go back-to-back, but so why does it matter that Paul Green coaches the Maroons and Cowboys simultaneously?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
So what's the go here is he taking the job or not? Seems a little strange that after the success QLD had opting to go with a full time coach they'd go straight back to having a club head coach.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Locky reportedly doesn't want to be a coach anymore. He wants to become a club CEO.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
To say I was gobsmacked when I was first told about this would be a massive understatement, I thought there could be a bit of merit in Greenie being an assistant to Kevvie Walters but no way should he be sole head coach while juggling the Cowbies too. The QRL can find someone else for the gig, how about the Walker boys. They'd slay it in Origin. And if they can't cut it then NSW might finally win a few games. In fact Queensland don't even really need a coach they're that good.
AJM
Guest
I think this would be a massive mistake and would have huge consequences for Queensland and the Cowboys. After enjoying so much success under a full time Meninga over the last 10 years why would Queensland want to go back to a part time coach? And surely Origin has become so big now that it would take far more commitment than it ever did during the 80's and 90's when club coaches regularly coached the states? So will it be the Cowboys that suffer? I can't imagine them being happy with that. This is madness. Just appoint Kevin Walters and leave Green to coach the Cowboys. I'm sure one day down the track Green will get his chance once he's finished club coaching. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Kingcowboy
Guest
I really hope Coach Green doesn't become coach of QLD. We need him at the Cows full time. Kev Walters and Alfie would be a perfect combo. Or maybe even Locky doing the gig. It is just a bad look if the cows are struggling or QLD lose the series, people will blame coach Green.