Roosters boss Trent Robinson says it’s “pretty clear” that Michael Cheika has all the traits to be a head coach in the NRL and that it’s up to chief executives and chairmen to take the plunge after he was linked to the Dragons job.
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Cheika’s name has popped up several times over the years when head coaching vacancies have appeared, but he’s yet to get a crack in the NRL despite a decorated career with the Lebanese international side, as well as with Australia and Argentina in rugby union.
The former Wallabies coach spent some time with the Roosters in 2020 as a consultant and has rejoined them in a specialist role working with the forwards.
His name has already been mentioned as one of the options to replace Shane Flanagan at the Dragons, and he’s got strong support from the man who he’s worked closely with at the Roosters.
“(You) need to ask chairmen and CEOs that,” Robinson said when asked if teams would be willing to hire someone with a strong rugby background.
“He’s a head coach, that’s pretty clear, and he always has been. Michael Cheika has been linked with the Dragons job. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“Whenever that comes up, he’ll be a head coach in the future somewhere pretty quickly, so he’ll be ready to go.
“He works with the forwards a lot and he’s worked really well with that crew. Building that mindset along with the skill set, he’s learning at the same time around the nuances of the game, but the mindset he’s had for a long time, so he’s been a good value add.”
Robinson has a proud tradition of seeing his assistants go on to bigger things in the game, with club legend Boyd Cordner promoted in his role at the Blues.
The former NSW skipper replaces Dragons interim coach Dean Young as one of Laurie Daley’s assistants, with Cordner enjoying plenty of success in his other role as coach of the Roosters SG Ball Cup side.
“He is a great coach. He will be a great coach. And it’s a good step towards his future,” Robinson said.Boyd Cordner is the new NSW assistant coach. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“(He’s got a) deep knowledge of rugby league, so he knows the nuances of the game. He knows how the game should be played, and then he’s got the ability to communicate that.
“So it’s Boydo’s choice that if he wants to go down that line, then he can, and he’s obviously doing it in part-time roles. But Boyd is and will be a very good coach.”
Cordner played in plenty of Anzac Day matches, with the Roosters not worrying themselves about what’s been happening at the Dragons this week.
A new coach is one thing, but of more importance to the Roosters is how they deal with rookie halfback Kade Reed, who can expect plenty of traffic sent his way.
Debutant Kade Reed will be an obvious target in defence when the Roosters take on the Dragons. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“That’s the game, so that will always be a part of it. But it won’t just be him,” Robinson said, confirming Billy Smith won’t return at centre this week.
“The game used to be played where years ago, they (smaller halves) used to play second line (defence) and they used to slot in on the far side of where the defensive lines were or where the ball was and move around. That’s not the case anymore.
“You need 13 guys aiming up and it’s a physical game, so our most important preview for this game was our review, and that’s the things that we want to do and the things that we want to improve on.
“You don’t change direction, but our style of game can double down on some of those areas that we want to attack.
“We’ve done our work as we do each week, no more than any other player that we face each week. But we’re really clear on the way that he plays the game and what he’ll bring to them, and then also what we need to do.
“He’s played a lot of footy, and we’ve watched him play a lot of footy. He just hasn’t played NRL yet. He’s played a trial, but he’s played a lot of reserve grade and he’s come through the grades, so as long as you do your work, you know the player.”
MAL IN SPOTLIGHT AFTER SHOCK DEPARTURE
The Perth Bears have been rocked by the departure of Mal Meninga’s hand-picked right-hand man with Head of Football David Sharpe quitting his post before their inaugural season.
Code Sports reported Meninga’s tenure as Perth coach has come under further scrutiny after Sharpe’s decision to step down months out from the expansion side’s first game.
Meninga had personally campaigned for Sharpe, the former head of Sports Integrity Australia, to be appointed as the head of football at the Bears.
However, Sharpe’s future at the club was placed in doubt in recent weeks amid claims that he was at odds with chief executive Anthony De Ceglie as well as other key staff members.
The Bears confirmed in a statement Sharpe had parted ways with the club.
“The Perth Bears thanks Mr David Sharpe for his contribution in establishing and developing our rugby league club,” the club said in a statement.
Sharpe thanked the club for the opportunity, but ultimately chose to pursue a different path.
“I have chosen to leave the Perth Bears for a new opportunity,” Sharpe said.
“It’s been a privilege to help lead the establishment of the club, and particularly the Football Department and Bear Tracks academy.
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Mal Meninga’s Head of Football David Sharpe has quit the Perth Bears.Source: Getty Images
“I will be cheering along with all supporters when the Perth Bears team takes the field in round one next year.”
Perth Bears Chairman Ben Morton thanked Sharpe for his work in helping set up the fledging franchise.
“The Perth Bears completely respect and understand the decision that David has made,” Morton said.
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“David has worked hard to build the foundations of a strong team and Football Department. “David’s contribution will continue to be felt as the team prepares to take to the field in 2027. “We are extremely grateful for the unwavering commitment David has shown to the establishment of our team.
“After leading Sports Integrity Australia, David came to the Perth Bears with a history of successfully establishing new organisations and teams.
“We have no doubt that he will be extremely successful in his future roles. I look forward to welcoming David back to witness with me the Perth Bears running onto the field in our first game in 2027.”
Perth Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie also thanked Sharpe for his contribution.
“In David’s time at the Perth Bears and under his leadership the Football Department successfully established itself, developed our team values and strategy, recruited 16 exceptional players (with more to come), established a Bears Tracks Academy and through his efforts we have a strong foundation for success,” De Cegile said.
“We wish David all the very best for the future.”
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