EXTRA TIME COLUMN – Eamonn Tiernan is the NRL Editor at foxsports.com.au and writes a fortnightly column.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold received’t stand in the way in which of his assistant Shane Flanagan ought to an NRL head coach function turns into out there.
Anthony Griffin is a lifeless man strolling on the Dragons and there’s no scarcity of potential replacements, with the board assembly and discussing candidates as we speak.
Flanagan has made no secret of his want to be a head coach once more and he’s on a shortlist of names that St George Illawarra are contemplating for 2024.
Foxsports.com.au requested Seibold if Flanagan can be launched early – from the three-year contract he signed in November – to take up a head teaching gig.
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“I would have to have a conversation with Flanno as it’s not something we’ve discussed, but yes I would like any of my coaches to get a head coaching opportunity if that is something they wanted to pursue,” Seibold stated.
Flanagan famously guided Cronulla to their solely premiership in 2016 simply two years after being banned for the 2014 season over his function within the membership’s dietary supplements scandal.
The 57-year-old coach was deregistered in 2018 after the NRL discovered he’d violated the circumstances of his 2014 ban.
There are some Dragons board members who stay delay by Flanagan’s previous and former chief government Peter Doust may show the sticking level as head coach appointments on the membership should be unanimous.
But ask anybody who has performed beneath Flanagan they usually’ll vouch for his means to educate, with the veteran identified for his very good man-management expertise.
Considering that since 2011, NRL golf equipment have parted methods with coaches 45 instances at a mean of virtually 4 per season – it’s seemingly only a matter of time earlier than Flanagan is given one other alternative.
CROKER’S HARD-EARNED ROAD TO 300
Ricky Stuart loves Jarrod Croker like a son however there received’t be any particular therapy for the Canberra legend on his street to 300 video games.
Croker had a participant choice in his favour for subsequent yr however foxsports.com.au can verify he received’t get to set off it as a consequence of a video games performed clause in his contract.
The 32-year-old has performed simply three NRL video games because the finish of 2021 as a consequence of kind and a horror damage run, which noticed him endure a number of knee and shoulder surgical procedures.
Those who attended Croker’s press convention in 2020 when the then 29-year-old signed a profitable four-year extension believed it was the most secure of bets.
The stylish centre had missed only a handful of video games since debuting for the Raiders in 2009 and appeared a certainty to cross Hazem El Masri and Cameron Smith to change into the NRL’s all-time factors scorer.
But because the finish of the 2020 season, Croker has performed simply 15 of 57 NRL video games and it has price him his 2024 choice.
Croker’s administration have confirmed to foxsports.com.au that his restricted motion over the previous two and half years means he’s going to fall properly wanting the video games required to set off the profitable last yr of his deal.
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Croker began this season in reserve grade however accidents noticed him return two weeks in the past when he was one among Canberra’s greatest as they upset the top-of-the-table Broncos.
The veteran wasn’t as spectacular final weekend towards the Dragons – his 293rd NRL recreation – however ought to maintain his spot after the bye with Nick Cotric (hamstring) going through a sideline stint.
However, Stuart received’t be handing out appearances to Canberra’s favorite son – with Croker advised he’ll solely be picked on benefit – and the Raiders legend wouldn’t need it some other method.
If he reaches the 300-game milestone earlier than his 15-year profession on the membership involves an finish this season, it’ll be as a result of he earned choice every week.
Croker nonetheless harbours ambitions of enjoying his method into yet one more contract – albeit on a major pay minimize to his present $700,000 per season deal – but it surely’ll solely be at Canberra.
In the seemingly occasion that Stuart has to sit down Croker down for a troublesome love chat to inform him his enjoying days on the membership are over, it’s understood he’ll retire as an alternative of heading to the Super League.
ROOSTER’S INSPIRING COMEBACK
Roosters backrower Angus Crichton is on observe for a possible NRL return on Anzac Day following his powerful summer season.
In February, Crichton’s household went public along with his bipolar dysfunction analysis which noticed the Kangaroos and Blues backrower miss the opening six weeks of the season whereas in search of skilled assist.
Crichton comes from an incredible household and his inside circle have been with him each step of the way in which, with a big contingent sitting within the stands for his comeback match in NSW Cup final weekend.
It was his first recreation since enjoying for Australia within the World Cup last final November when the Kangaroos beat Samoa to carry the trophy.
Those nearest and dearest to Crichton know he’s nonetheless firstly of a lifelong journey with bipolar and are hesitant to rely their chickens on his restoration simply but.
The 27-year-old’s return to the enjoying discipline final weekend got here two months after his father Charlie launched an announcement on behalf of the household.
“I can confirm that Angus is under appropriate professional support and treatment for medically diagnosed bipolar disorder, which he has been dealing with for some time,” the assertion learn.
“He is fully supported by his family, his management and the Sydney Roosters club as he works towards recovery.”
Sitting subsequent to Charlie on the airplane to the World Cup in England final November it was instantly clear to see the place Angus will get his nation boy modesty.
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Covering the Kangaroos on the World Cup was a singular expertise in some ways however one interplay with Crichton left the most important impression.
Crichton was requested his ideas on Indigenous All Stars coach Ron Griffiths floating the concept of his aspect competing on the 2025 World Cup.
The stylish ahead gave an articulate response emphasising the idea would solely trigger an pointless divide.
After the press convention, Crichton requested the print journalists to verify our subeditors didn’t misconstrued his phrases within the headline.
Crichton – who has labored with charities in Indigenous communities – acquired widespread help for his feedback after which after the ultimate he spoke once more after the cameras had stopped rolling.
Just minutes after profitable the World Cup and deep contained in the tunnels of Old Trafford, Crichton discovered it in himself to say thanks for a way the story was written.
It was bloody spectacular from a younger man – only a few footy gamers would have stated something, not to mention having the presence of thoughts to take action simply after profitable a World Cup.
Foxsports.com.au touched base with Charlie this week however the household aren’t prepared to talk publicly once more simply but, and truthful sufficient.
Even if Crichton doesn’t play Anzac Day it’s now a matter of when, not if, he returns to the NRL which wasn’t the case firstly of the season.
When he does it’ll be an superior sight and also you’ll battle to search out an individual in rugby league who received’t be cheering him on.
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Source: www.foxsports.com.au