The Queensland Maroons are in search of a new head coach following Tahnee Norris’s announcement that she will not continue in the role after five successful years. Norris, who guided the Maroons to three series victories during her tenure, felt that it was time for a change both for the team and personally. In her farewell statement, she expressed pride in the team’s achievements and highlighted the significance of her coaching position during a pivotal time for women’s rugby league in Australia.
The challenge of finding an appropriate replacement is daunting, but there are several talented candidates vying for consideration. Notably, Allana Ferguson has suggested that rugby league Hall of Famer Greg Inglis could be an ideal choice. Inglis, who served as an assistant coach under Norris, has also gained experience mentoring the Wests Tigers women’s squad.
Ferguson described Inglis as a caring figure in the women’s game, emphasising his long-standing commitment to the sport even before it received widespread recognition. He is viewed as a strong candidate likely to resonate well with players and fans alike. Former Queensland player Mahalia Murphy echoed this sentiment, praising Inglis’s passion, knowledge, and his influential presence in the game.
Another potential contender for the head coach position is Nathan Cross, the current coach of the NRLW Dragons. Cross has confirmed that he has received interest from players regarding his candidacy and maintains a good rapport with the Queensland Rugby League (QRL), having coached most of the current players.
As the Maroons embark on this significant transition, they will undoubtedly seek a figure who can not only steer the team towards success but also nurture the continually growing profile of women’s rugby league in Queensland and Australia.