Queensland coach Billy Slater anticipates that his Origin assistant, Josh Hannay, will secure a prominent NRL coaching position shortly. Hannay, an experienced assistant for the Maroons and various NRL teams, is currently under Craig Fitzgibbon at Cronulla. He has previously stepped in as an interim head coach for both the Cowboys and Sharks, positioning him as a strong candidate for a full-time head coaching role.
Rumours are swirling about potential changes in coaching staff within the NRL. Reports suggest that Newcastle is likely to dismiss Adam O’Brien soon, while Des Hasler’s role with the Titans appears to be on shaky ground. Additionally, Todd Payten at the Cowboys, where Hannay once played and coached, is also reportedly facing uncertainty.
Slater, expressing his admiration for Hannay, acknowledged that he will likely not have him on his State of Origin team next year. In a recent episode of “The Billy Slater Podcast,” he noted Hannay’s significant contributions over the past four years, describing him as a vital support during his tenure as coach. Slater appreciates Hannay’s deep understanding of the game and his insightful coaching philosophies.
Slater voiced his surprise at Hannay’s continued involvement with Origin this year, perhaps indicating that he believed Hannay would have already transitioned to a head coach role by now. He expressed full confidence in Hannay’s abilities and readiness to manage an NRL team, citing their strong working relationship and respecting his contributions to the Maroons.
As the coaching landscape shifts, Hasler has refuted claims of an impending departure from the Titans, despite ongoing media speculation. The Titans currently sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder, while the Cowboys and Knights are struggling in the 12th and 13th positions, respectively, casting doubt on their playoff prospects.
Overall, as teams consider options and make strategic changes, expectations are high for Hannay to step into a head coaching role in the NRL in the near future.