\u201cAlan Jones had a crack at it way back. It hasn\u2019t been done with success. Many league coaches have come over to rugby and been successful there \u2013 maybe not as head coaches, although I think they could.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo master that challenge, especially being an Aussie kid where league is such a big sport and I grew up playing the sport, I think it would be a huge challenge. I\u2019ve been back here now for maybe six weeks or so, getting my feet on the ground and deciding what I\u2019m gonna get up to next.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the biggest challenges for Newcastle\u2019s next clipboard holder will be how to extract the best value from the club\u2019s $13 million, 10-year investment in Dylan Brown. The Kiwi international will make his final appearance for Parramatta in Sunday\u2019s clash against his next employer, Newcastle, at CommBank Stadium.<\/p>\n
Cheika conceded that some NRL clubs would view him as a risk, given most of his experience is in rugby union. However, he felt he could connect with league players if given a chance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d push them to whatever\u2019s required to win, because that\u2019s the objective,\u201d he said during the week.<\/p>\n
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\u201cYou\u2019re gonna be talking to a dressing room of 30-odd people and there could be seven or eight different personality traits in there. You\u2019ve got to try and code your messages so that they all understand in the different ways people think.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes you\u2019ve got to go hard and sometimes you\u2019ve got to give a cuddle \u2013 but at all costs, they are your team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johns\u2019 brother, former Newcastle playmaker Matthew, has publicly stated that Cheika and Roosters NRLW coach John Strange both warranted an interview for the post.<\/p>\n