The Wests Tigers’ search for a new head coach copped a massive body blow after highly-rated Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo withdrew from contention.
The Tigers sacked coach Michael Maguire earlier this month and appointed Brett Kimmorley to the role on an interim basis, but had approached Ciraldo to gauge his interest in coaching full-time from next year.
Ciraldo, off contract at the end of the season, is often credited as the architect of Penrith’s premiership-winning defence and has been declared “a head coach in waiting” by current Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary.
He toured the club’s facilities and was offered a long-term deal but he has decided to knock it back. It’s unclear whether he will stay at Penrith next season of if he is intends to pursue the coaching vacancy at the Bulldogs.
Shane Flanagan, Kristian Woolf, John Morris and Paul Green are among the available options for Canterbury, the Tigers and Warriors to consider approaching.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
But on Saturday evening, the Tigers released a statement confirming Ciraldo would not be joining the club next year.
“The club has been contacted by Cameron Ciraldo and his management this afternoon and they have advised the club that he is not in a position to accept the role of Head Coach at this juncture in his career,” the statement read.
“Whilst disappointing, we respect his decision, and we will continue with the selection process in appointing our club’s Head Coach.”
Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis said on Tuesday that the club hoped to confirm their new head coach by the first week of July.
Tez
Roar Rookie
and its just rumour, I will lay odds that Ciraldo will stay at Penrith and take over from Cleary in due course. Why would he do anything different? He knows the players and he knows the club .... in my opinion it is a lay down mazzeire
Justin
Guest
At Newcastle. There’s no assistant coach at the moment. The junior development officer Garth Brennan , who was supposed to reform the junior system. Walked out on the job , that he only began at the start of this season.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
And to top it off they have now gone from 5 captains to 1 . They still don't get it out west, changing captains won't alter a thing . What they do need to do is sort out this current home ground fiasco, The current board fail to understand what the fans want , bringing in Sheen's is an admittance they are unable to make a decision on wether it's coaches, grounds and retention of players . Someone has to fall on their sword but the egos seem to outweigh what's best for the club .
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
The more I think about it the more I think that John Morris would be a great solution.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
?? That would be as hard as the Tigers. Both clubs entrenched in accepting mediocrity.
Aussie D
Guest
Rumour going around that Ciraldo is headed to Newcastle next year.
Tez
Roar Rookie
I called this over a week ago. I don't think the Tigers were ever a realistic chance of getting Ciraldo. The Tigers head coach role is a poisoned chalice right now and why would you willingly take them on in your first head coach role? John Morris is the man for the Tigers and his odds have just shortened a hell of a lot.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Awful start to a first grade gig for sure
Paul
Guest
Smart move by Ciraldo. The Tigers job , would be a complex job.