Sorry for another coach blog but would like to know people's opinions on Steve McNamara vs Ciraldo and don't want to scroll through pages and pages of crap to find replies. I don't care if people want BA gone now or later as it there are plenty more blogs to argue that.
Lots of speculation about who should replace BA whether that is now, at end of year or end of next year if we make grand final this year. I read the below story about Steve McNamara who is rarely mentioned as he doesn't have a manager getting his name in the headlines every couple days as a favour from media mates like other potential coaches.
Although the story is in relation to the warriors job, he could be ready to take over NRL side ready to compete for a premiership and is probably a safer bet then Ciraldo. Although Ciraldo would most likely be able to bring some Penrith talent over McNamara might be able to bring the best from super league. Having Hodgeson next year will be additional incentive for English players to come to the eels as well.
He played under Brian Smith who has plenty of fans on 1EE and Smith rates him highly. Most coaches had a great coach they learnt from or played under. McNamara was also assistant to Trent Robinson at roosters for 2 minor premierships. He pushes fitness for his players and defence but last year Catalan's were an attacking team scoring 688 points against the next best of 588.
He took Catalan dragons from near relegation to a grand final, something Trent Robinson was unable to do.
He coached the English side in world cup nearly taking it out being in the game till the end despite roster not being as strong as Australia or New Zealand. Although the World cup is different to a NRL season, it shows he can get a team of quality players and help them make a step up in class.
He can identify and develop talent having developed the Burgess brothers, Elliot Whitehead and John Bateman.
He is still contracted to Catalan's but contracts mean nothing in rugby league now, so if given choice between Ciraldo and McNamara who would you choose. Ciraldo may be the next great coach but is he worth the risk. McNamara is less risk in my opinion having followed similar path to Trent Robinson but better results mad worked with Robinson as an assistant. He definitely deserves to at least be included in conversation.
Not sure all the facts are confirmed as story is from the roar but if it all checks out definitely sounds like he has qualities we need.
Link to the story.
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