The Canterbury Bulldogs have flatly denied they have another coach waiting in the wings as the club’s directors prepare for a board meeting today to sort out the future of current NRL mentor Des Hasler.
Amid speculation the relationship between Hasler and the club has become untenable, a host of potential suitors has been linked with the Bulldogs, including 1995 premiership winner Dean Pay.
The Australian has learnt Pay has been told of the interest being shown in him by the Dogs and has been open with his current employers Canberra about his desire to pursue a head coaching role.
Current assistant coach Jim Dymock is another contender well-versed in the Bulldogs’ ethos and is likely to play a big role in the club’s future. Significantly, he and Pay share the same management.
Other former NRL club coaches Ivan Cleary and John Cartwright are also understood to be interested if a head coach vacancy arises at the Bulldogs.