The Wests Tigers are about to do it again.
Multiple reports indicate that the Wests Tigers are about to relieve Michael Maguire of his role as coach of the club.
The old 'fire the coach' quick fix.
The very same quick fix that has failed to propel the Tigers to the finals for a literal decade now.
Why the Tigers would remove a premiership-winning coach without an obvious replacement option standing above the rest is a question for another time but it did kick-off some thinking.
Who is the next cab off the ranks when it comes to the next NRL coach?
Craig Fitzgibbon has long been the assistant coach chased by multiple clubs and offered a full-time first grade coaching job.
Now that he has committed his future to the Sharks, who does it leave?
Below are five options I believe are ready to step either up, or back into, a first grade coaching gig. Potentially even the Tigers top job
3. 3. Jason Ryles
If Ciraldo isn't the next young coach in line for a position it could be Jason Ryles. The big difference between the two is that Ryles is available.
He was working with the England Rugby Union side until recently, however left the role. My guess is Covid travel restrictions made his role very difficult.
I have no doubt that he'll end up in a role sooner rather than later. The Tigers gig looks to be coming available, however I don't believe it will be vacant for very long.
Ryles served his apprenticeship under Craig Bellamy for five years. There is no better way to spend your years in an assistant coaching role.
The former Origin and Kangaroo regular won't be available for very long. Perhaps a first grade role is a little unlikely right now but he'll be an NRL coach sooner rather than later.
