COLUMN – Eamonn Tiernan is the NRL Editor at foxsports.com.au and writes Extra Time fortnightly.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold received’t stand in the way in which of his assistant Shane Flanagan if an NRL head coach function turns into out there.
Anthony Griffin is a useless man strolling on the Dragons and there’s no scarcity of potential replacements, with the board assembly and discussing candidates at present.
Flanagan has made no secret of his want to be a head coach once more and he’s on a shortlist of names that St George Illawarra are contemplating for 2024.
Foxsports.com.au requested Seibold if Flanagan can be launched early from the three-year contract he signed in November, to take up a head coach gig.
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“I would have to have a conversation with Flanno as it’s not something we’ve discussed, but yes I would like any of my coaches to get a head coaching opportunity if that is something they wanted to pursue,” Seibold stated.
Flanagan famously guided Cronulla to their solely premiership in 2016 simply two years after being banned for the 2014 season over his function within the membership’s dietary supplements scandal.
The 57-year-old coach was deregistered in 2018 after the NRL discovered he’d violated the situations of his 2014 ban.
There are some Dragons board members who stay postpone by Flanagan’s previous and former chief govt Peter Doust may show the sticking level as head coach appointments on the membership have to be unanimous.
But ask anybody who has performed beneath Flanagan they usually’ll vouch for his potential to educate, with the veteran identified for his very good man-management expertise.
Considering that since 2011, NRL golf equipment have parted methods with coaches 45 instances at a median of just about 4 per season – it’s seemingly only a matter of time earlier than Flanagan is given one other alternative.
CROKER’S HARD-EARNED ROAD TO 300
Ricky Stuart loves Jarrod Croker like a son however there received’t be any particular therapy for the Canberra legend on his highway to 300 video games.
Croker had a participant possibility in his favour for subsequent 12 months however foxsports.com.au can affirm he received’t get to set off it attributable to a video games performed clause in his contract.
The 32-year-old has performed simply three NRL video games because the finish of 2021 attributable to kind and a horror damage run, which noticed him bear a number of knee and shoulder surgical procedures.
Those who attended Croker’s press convention in 2020 when the then 29-year-old signed a profitable four-year extension believed it was the most secure of bets.
The stylish centre had missed only a handful of video games since debuting for the Raiders in 2009 and appeared a certainty to cross Hazem El Masri and Cameron Smith to turn out to be the NRL’s all-time factors scorer.
But because the finish of the 2020 season, Croker has performed simply 15 of 57 NRL video games and it has value him his 2024 possibility.
Croker’s administration have confirmed to foxsports.com.au that his restricted motion over the previous two and half years means he’s going to fall properly in need of the video games required to set off the profitable ultimate 12 months of his deal.
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Croker began this season in reserve grade however accidents noticed him return two weeks in the past when he was considered one of Canberra’s greatest as they upset the top-of-the-table Broncos.
The veteran wasn’t as spectacular final weekend in opposition to the Dragons – his 293rd NRL recreation – however ought to maintain his spot after the bye with Nick Cotric (hamstring) dealing with a sideline stint.
However, Stuart received’t be handing out appearances to Canberra’s favorite son – with Croker advised he’ll solely be picked on advantage – and the Raiders legend wouldn’t need it another method.
If he reaches the 300-game milestone earlier than his 15-year profession on the membership involves an finish this season, it’ll be as a result of he earned choice every week.
Croker nonetheless harbours ambitions of taking part in his method into another contract – albeit on a major pay reduce to his present $700,000 per season deal – nevertheless it’ll solely be at Canberra.
In the seemingly occasion that Stuart has to take a seat Croker down for a tricky love chat to inform him his taking part in days on the membership are over, it’s understood he’ll retire as a substitute of heading to the Super League.
ROOSTER’S INSPIRING COMEBACK
Roosters backrower Angus Crichton is on monitor for a possible NRL return on Anzac Day following his powerful summer season.
In February, Crichton’s household went public together with his bipolar dysfunction prognosis which noticed the Kangaroos and Blues backrower miss the opening six weeks of the season whereas in search of skilled assist.
Crichton comes from an incredible household and his interior circle have been with him each step of the way in which, with a big contingent sitting within the stands for his comeback match in NSW Cup final weekend.
It was his first recreation since taking part in for Australia within the World Cup ultimate final November when the Kangaroos beat Samoa to elevate the trophy.
Those nearest and dearest to Crichton know he’s nonetheless in the beginning of a lifelong journey with bipolar and are hesitant to depend their chickens on his restoration simply but.
The 27-year-old’s return to the taking part in discipline final weekend got here two months after his father Charlie launched a press release on behalf of the household.
“I can confirm that Angus is under appropriate professional support and treatment for medically diagnosed bipolar disorder, which he has been dealing with for some time,” the assertion learn.
“He is fully supported by his family, his management and the Sydney Roosters club as he works towards recovery.”
Sitting subsequent to Charlie on the aircraft to the World Cup in England final November it was instantly clear to see the place Angus will get his nation boy modesty.
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Covering the Kangaroos on the World Cup was a novel expertise in some ways however one interplay with Crichton left the largest impression.
Crichton was requested his ideas on Indigenous All Stars coach Ron Griffiths floating the concept of his facet competing on the 2025 World Cup.
The stylish ahead gave an articulate response emphasising the idea would solely trigger an pointless divide.
After the press convention, Crichton requested the print journalists to verify our subeditors didn’t misconstrued his phrases within the headline.
Crichton – who has labored with charities in Indigenous communities – acquired widespread assist for his feedback after which after the ultimate he spoke once more after the cameras had stopped rolling.
Just minutes after successful the World Cup and deep contained in the tunnels of Old Trafford, Crichton discovered it in himself to say thanks for the way the story was written.
It was bloody spectacular from a younger man – only a few footy gamers would have stated something, not to mention having the presence of thoughts to take action simply after successful a World Cup.
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Foxsports.com.au touched base with Charlie this week however the household aren’t prepared to talk publicly once more simply but, and truthful sufficient.
Even if Crichton doesn’t play Anzac Day it’s now a matter of when, not if, he returns to the NRL which wasn’t the case at first of the season.
When he does it’ll be an superior sight and also you’ll battle to seek out an individual in rugby league who received’t be cheering him on.
“I think if he comes back and has two or three games under his belt, I’ve got no doubt Freddy will consider him for the Blues,” Roosters premiership winner Bryan Fletcher advised foxsports.com.au.
“He was Australia’s starting second rower in the World Cup and we’re a little bit light on in the backrow with Liam Martin being ruled out.”
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