Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has taken another step towards an NRL head coach role by taking on a full-time assistant position with the Sydney Roosters.
Cheika boasts an extensive resume in rugby union, overseeing the Australian team between 2014 and 2019, winning World Rugby’s coach of the year after leading the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final.
He has also been the national coach of Argentina as well as numerous club roles including steering the NSW Waratahs to the Super Rugby title in 2014.
But Cheika’s coaching in the 13-a-side game has been limited to Lebanon’s World Cup campaign in 2021 and the upcoming tournament in 2026, and a consultancy role with the Roosters in 2020.
He was linked to the Newcastle coaching vacancy but with Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook getting that position, a position opened up with the Tricolours.
Cheika will work with the forwards and support coaches throughout the club’s pathway system.
Head coach Trent Robinson, a long-time friend, said Cheika would offer the club at different perspective.
“Michael and I have had a strong relationship for many years, and I’ve always admired the way he leads and challenges athletes,” Robinson said in a statement.
“His experience in rugby brings a different perspective that will inspire and test our players and coaches.”
Cheika will begin his new role in November when the Roosters kick-off their pre-season.
With league roots, he has previously spoken of his desire to coach at the highest level, following former Wallabies mentor Alan Jones who coached Balmain between 1991 to 1993, with the club struggling for success during his time at the helm.
The Roosters finished this season eighth on the ladder and were knocked out by Cronulla in week one of the finals.
Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has impressed since making his NRL debut in round 27 last season but has told the club he intends returning to rugby union ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Chevy overheats at pub
Canberra young gun Chevy Stewart will face court in November after he was arrested on Friday night at notorious Cronulla nightspot Northies.
Stewart is alleged to have poured his alcoholic beverage into a poker machine after he was annoyed at how his gambling was going.
The 20-year-old former NSW under 19s fullback, who has played four NRL matches for the Raiders, was hauled out of the venue after police were called.
Stewart, a Sharks junior, will face Sutherland Local Court on November 6 to face a charge of malicious damage.
His future at the club is up in the air and he has been linked with a move to St George Illawarra.
Stewart made three NRL appearances last year but has been stuck behind Kaeo Weekes in the race for the No.1 jersey all season and was only given the Round 27 match by Ricky Stuart after the coach rested nearly his entire side before the finals.
“About 10pm on Friday (26 September 2025), police were called to a business on Elouera Rd, Cronulla, following reports a man had damaged property,” according to a Sutherland Shire Police Area Command statement.
“Officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command attended and were told a man had allegedly poured alcohol into one of the gaming machines, causing significant damage.
“The 20-year-old man was arrested and issued a Court Attendance Notice for malicious damage. He is set to appear before Sutherland Local Court on Monday 6 November 2025. The man was also issued a move on direction from the premises which was complied with.”
Canberra officials reported the incident to the NRL Integrity Unit and the fullback could face further sanctions after his court appearance.
Howarth out to make amends
Denied a crucial try in last year’s NRL grand final, boom Melbourne centre Jack Howarth won’t be leaving any doubt if he has another chance against Brisbane.
In the 2024 title decider against Penrith, the young gun looked to have burrowed over for a 49th minute try, which would have hauled Melbourne back to 10-all with a kick to come.
League greats in the commentary box were split. Andrew Johns was certain it was a try, while Brad Fittler thought Howarth’s arm was under the ball.
Regardless, it was denied by the bunker, with NRL head of football Graham Annesley going to the length of showing the media other angles of the replay at full-time as proof it was the right call.
Howarth still isn’t sure.
“I felt like I did (score) in the moment, but there’s angles that look like it and some don’t, so it was a big call and it just didn’t go our way, unfortunately,” the 22-year-old told AAP.
“I think that’s why it hurt even more, it was so close.
“Looking back, it’s hard to watch, so hopefully I get another chance.”
Jack Howarth is tackled. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Howarth has had an interrupted season in which he’s been sidelined with a fractured eye-socket, dislocated shoulder, appendicitis, food poisoning and a groin injury.
He missed the last five home-and-away rounds but returned for the finals and is hitting form at the right time, looking to get involved with some major carries.
“I get joy off seeing what happens off the back of a good carry and a quick play of the ball,” said Howarth, who now has 32 games under his belt.
“We have really good players like Jahrome (Hughes) and Paps (Ryan Papenhuyzen) and Munn (Cameron Munster) and Harry (Grant) so when you get them quick play-the-balls, they can play their type of footy and we play really fast and that’s where we reap the rewards.”
Becoming a regular first-grader last year, Howarth said the only time he’d faced Brisbane was in his NRL debut in 2023, which was his sole match for that season.
But he knows what Broncos superstar fullback Reece Walsh will bring on Sunday, with the pair having played Australian Schoolboys together when rated huge teenage prospects.
“I played back-row then, and I think he was still at fullback and we kind of got close because we did a bit of the Origin stuff and the schoolboy stuff together, and he’s a funny character, very loud,” Howarth said.
“I remember coming up it was always talk about Reece Walsh.
“He was just always so fast but yeah, he’s always been a freak.”
with AAP