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:

2. David Tangata-Toa (New Zealand Warriors)

Despite being a name that will be less familiar than others on this list, David Tangata-Toa's coaching resume screams First Grade Coach!

Tangata-Toa guided the New Zealand Warriors to NSW Cup Premiership success last year.

Tanah Boyd's unlikely rise this season is the stuff of legend. It all started under Tangata-Toa in the reserve grade competition.

Anyone who watches the NSW Cup regularly will know how difficult it is for coaches. Players are made unavailable at short notice with alarming regularity.

He also spent time under Premiership winning coach Paul Green, as an assistant, during a stint with the Cowboys.

His resume stretches back way further, and I'm willing to bet it adds "NRL Coach" before too long.

2 COMMENTS

  1. 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 “