There is a feeling in the air that a change is upon us.
The game of rugby league has changed so much in early 2026 and we've seen entire clubs fall behind the ball.
Anthony Seibold was sacked very early in the season for refusing to move with the times.
Former Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was removed from his role, in no small part, due to his reluctance to move on from his tried and tested ways.
The game is crying out for fresh ideas. New coaches!
As easy as it is looking to experienced mentors, sometimes it's time to look toward the future. Today we look at five names we believe will be called upon for NRL gigs.
I have left Kieran Foran off this list as he's (likely) about to be named full time coach of the Sea Eagles.
Stacey Jones, current New Zealand international coach has also been left off. Ben Hornby, having coached 17 games, has also been left off.
Peter Wallace was originally the top entry here but news has since broken that he will coach the Penrith Panthers from 2028. He thus becomes unavailable.
Here are the top five, next man up NRL coaches:
4. Blake Green (North Queensland Cowboys)
Blake Green, by all reports, was close to obtaining head coaching gigs at both the Knights and in England. He must be close.
Currently serving as an assistant to the high flying Cowboys, Green also worked at the Knights between 2021 and 2025.
I was about to list all of the clubs Blake Green had represented across the NRL and Super League, but there are nine.
Nine clubs across a 15 year career for a total of 270 games. Fair to say Green has experience in the top grade, across multiple systems, and situations to draw from.
Green was previously appointed NRLW head coach before the Covid delayed season saw him transition into the men's set up.
Talks are he was super close to the aforementioned Knights job. I'm not sure if he's interviewed for the Dragons role, but either way, he may not be available for too much longer.
Dan, Why doesn’t this list contain LEE ADDISON ?
He has the coaching experience. He can string together a dozen words in a sentence without including any cliches, (which is more than most NRL coaches can).
Perceptive, sense of humour.
Or is he to be written off just like the Walker Brothers ?
” Didn’t play 200 games of NRL first grade so he can’t be any good “