WHO ARE THE COACHES UNDER PRESSURE TO PERFORM AHEAD OF THE 2019 NRL SEASON?
BRISBANE: Anthony Seibold faces the NRL’s equivalent of batting after Bradman, stepping in to the big shoes left by Wayne Bennett after an ugly coach swap saga.
Verdict: Needs immediate success after Broncos greats slammed the club for not appointing Kevin Walters.
CANBERRA : Ricky Stuart may be running out of chances after the Raiders again missed out on the finals in 2018.
Verdict: Stuart has a 46.3 per cent winning record at the Raiders yet is considered safe.
CANTERBURY: In his first year in charge Dean Pay was like a boxer with one hand tied behind his back – due to being constrained by the club’s salary cap mess. Their roster still has giant holes in it.
Verdict: Needs to show improvement.
CRONULLA: Whoever takes over at Cronulla has a tough slog in front of them. While they possess a great roster, the Sharks’ off-field problems threaten to derail their campaign.
Verdict: Will be given time.
GOLD COAST: Garth Brennan won’t be cut any more slack in his second year at the Titans helm after stocking up on the likes of Tyrone Peachey, Ryley Jacks and Shannon Boyd. Must find a way for No.7 Ash Taylor to consistently fire.
Verdict: Still rebuilding but needs improvement.
MELBOURNE: A year after dealing with halfback Cooper Cronk’s departure, Craig Bellamy’s biggest headache in 2019 will be finding someone to fill retired great Billy Slater’s boots at fullback.
Verdict: Safe.
NORTH QUEENSLAND: Paul Green endured a nightmare 2018 in which they finished 13th. Playmaker Michael Morgan’s return from injury will help begin life without Johnathan Thurston.
Verdict: Safe but a poor season will put him on rocky ground.
NEWCASTLE: After years of heartbreak, the Knights finally have a roster to challenge for the top eight – and even the top four. Nathan Brown has a unique contract which is based on performance.
Verdict: Will be under pressure if they don’t climb.
PARRAMATTA: No two ways about it – Brad Arthur needs results after collecting the wooden spoon. Is in the last year of his contract.
Verdict: Under pressure.
PENRITH: Ivan Cleary has always been a “rebuilding” coach. However it’s time for him to become a premiership coach and the club knows he has the roster to do it.
Verdict: Needs to deliver.
SOUTH SYDNEY: Wayne Bennett will be put to the test holding the Rabbitohs’ reins in the Sydney fish bowl after a messy Broncos departure. It has been nine years since he won the last of his seven premierships.
Verdict: Not under pressure but will have a point to prove.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA: Paul McGregor is in the last year of a two-year contract and anything less than a top four finish will be considered a let down.
Verdict: Needs to deliver.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS: Trent Robinson’s Midas touch will be tested as the Roosters vie for rare back-to-back titles with the addition of Angus Crichton and Brett Morris.
Verdict: Safe.
WESTS TIGERS: The Tigers were put in an awful position after Ivan Cleary manoeuvred to get out of his deal but landed on their feet after signing Michael Maguire, a notoriously hard taskmaster.
Verdict: Will be given time.
WARRIORS: After the Warriors made the finals for the first time since 2011, Stephen Kearney’s next trick will be dealing with the fallout over star playmaker Shaun Johnson’s off season departure.
Verdict: Needs to fire.
