The timing definitely has a Bennett feel about it. Bennett said he hadn't signed with Souths yesterday but dropped hints that it was a done deal but Bennett loves messing with the media.It is reported that we have met with Bennett so who knows.
Ryles is another name that has been mentioned and seems like a good upcoming coach but there is always the unknown. The only coaches to have a premiership at 1 club then win at another club is very short so maybe an untried coach is the way to go. Only Bennet, Sheens, Gould, Fulton and Gibson have won at different clubs.
1 thing to consider is Zac Lomax signed with us for less then what he was guaranteed at Saints and was refused a BA get out clause. Who is his manager and did he have separate talks with O'Neill as well as dinner with BA. They would have surely asked O'Neill the contingency plan if BA left, so the coach is most likely already decided otherwise why would Lomax sign for the unknown.
He didn't have to rush his decision and could have waited a few weeks and see what happens. His form was only ever going to drive his price up so most likely his manager knew something. Maybe his manager has a coach on the books that eels have spoken to as a possibility
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Well Lomax does come from the same town as Barrett :(