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:

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1. Matt Ballin (Brisbane Broncos)

I have no doubt that Matt Ballin was going to be named Manly Sea Eagles coach for 2027, had Kieran Foran not absolutely aced his audition.

The Broncos assistant looks the next cab off the rank in terms of the next coaching appointment.

Talk is that the Dragons are looking at former players but doing a disservice not to at least talk to, and seriously consider, the 220 NRL veteran.

Ballin's coaching resume is extensive for a 42 year-old.

He coached the Queensland Under 19s team, has been involved in the senior QLD set up since 2024 and coached both the Manly under 20s and reserve grade team, Blacktown.

He's been involved with the Broncos since 2021, where his initial role Development Coach.

Ballin, a two time Premiership winner as a player, looks the most ready made of all rookie coaches and is assured to be linked to every role available.

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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 “