Canberra captain Jarrod Croker is confident Ricky Stuart could balance his job at the Raiders with coaching the NSW State of Origin side.
Stuart has been touted for a return to coaching NSW, whom he led to a series victory in 2005 while also in charge of the Sydney Roosters.
He was the Blues’ full-time mentor in 2011 and 2012 – both losing series – and is about to complete his 14th season as an NRL coach.
The NSWRL will consider appointing an club coach to lead NSW part-time after losing 11 series in 12 years.
Asked if Stuart could coach the Raiders and the Blues, Croker said: “I’m sure he can but that’s out of my control”.
“Until something happens there’s not much use talking about it. But I’m sure he’d handle that role.
“We know how passionate he is about Canberra. I’m sure he’s just as much about NSW.”
The NSW coaching job is vacant after Stuart’s close mate Laurie Daley was sacked following the Blues’ capitulation earlier in the year.
Raiders chief executive Don Furner said the board would have to discuss any potential Origin appointment.
“Yes he’s got very able and experienced assistant coaches, but we’ve got to get back on track next year to make up for this year,” Furner told Fairfax Media.
“He hasn’t approached us … it’d be silly to go into what-ifs until that happened.”
bigbaz
Roar Guru
you forgot to add, the unhappiest bloke you'd ever meet coaching the unhappiest side you'll ever see.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Fox Sports' head of live sport Steve Crawley needs to get it right for next season. What happened to journalism? I nearly vomited when Paul Kent suggested his close mate, the multi failed coach Ricky Stuart as the next Blues coach. Hello earth! This is Ricky Stuart latest resume: • Failed to make finals this year with a star line up. • Left the Eels in a rumble who have since made the top 4 this year. • Left the Sharks in rubble who then went on to win the GF. • Failed to win an origin Series at his last stint before being sacked. • Sacked as national coach after losing an “unlosable” test match. Sitting next to Kenty was his News Limited mate Paul Crawley, brother of big boss Steve and also Mick, who just happens to be employed by Ricky Stuart as his assistant coach, and yes, he also chimed in on the Ricky bandwagon. I am all for helping your mates, but your job is to provide constructive unbiased news and objective opinions. You are better than that fellas, and Creepy, you should be guiding the ship better than this crap. Lucky you have a monopoly.
Suechi
Guest
I think Fittler and/or Johns is a dumber call. They have only been mentioned because of their public profile as commentators on Channel 9 - who are quick to criticise. Both were great players, but both were known for their off field antics - hardly the kings of discipline. Neither have any coaching experience of significance.
Albo
Guest
Jack Wighton would be a special to oust Teddy at the back !
B.A
Guest
Jarrod Croker is wrong.
jeandetroyes
Guest
Totally agree. People forget that he also failed at the wheel of that greatest of sports cars - ie the Kangaroos. And - surprise, surprise - he blamed the refereeing in that infamous hotel shirt-fronting incident at the end of it all. Lacks the skill, moral leadership and values that are required to lead the Blues out of the blues.
Big Al
Guest
Well I guess that's one way to see Shannon Boyd and BJ Leilua get selected!
AGordon
Guest
What a scary thought! If he wasn't a Canberra favourite son, he'd be on a scrap pile now, yet he could end up coaching NSW. That's almost as silly as suggesting that Mr Johns takes on the role
Glenn
Guest
Stuart can't even coach the Raiders so how can he coach the blues. This is a stupid Paul Kent call, one of many he makes, for his good friend Stuart.