So an unlikely candidate that i would be chasing is current Hull Kingston Rovers coach Willie Peters. He guided the Robins to the Challenge Cup final last year, currently sits 5th on ESL ladder with +93 F/A. He speaks well, is very confident and forthright in his approach. He played only 76 NRL games across two stints at Souths and one at St. George Illwarra. Peters was the head coach of the Wests Tigers u20's in 2016, leading them to the second week of the semi's. Leaving to Manly where he was an assistant under Barrett in his only year making the semis. Peters left in 2018 after a scuffle with a collegue at a pub, leading him to go to Souths under Wayne Bennett, then went to Newcastle as an assistant under Adam O'Brien in 2020. He took over Hull KR in 2023, he has always valued to use of juniors to promote within a squad for development being a big part of development in his roles in the NRL as an assistant.
Thing about Peters is he has been around a fair bit in both NRL and ESL. He has that respect, despite having an average NRL career he is known as a tough as nails player and being a former Halfback he understands the nature of the ever turning NRL where you need to adapt pretty much every year nearly. Peters has won 29 of 47 in all competions with the Robins, currently winning 7 out of 12 in this years season.
He is contracted til the end of 2028, though we have seen Aussie coaches have some sort of clause to head home if opportunity arises, he has expressed interest in coaching in the NRL. Peters is one i would at least be having a chat to. If he shows interest, i would nab him as i feel he could be special, he gives off good vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGt5gea5EUM&t=71s Here is a post match interview he did as an example
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After reading alot of opinion on social media and some of the journos I'm actually leaning towards CHEIKA.
Definitely a left field signing but he's a people person, has achieved alot in business and as a coach so he's pretty successful with plenty of contacts.
As long as he surrounds himself with good assistants, then no reason he can't be a huge success with this club.
Moses just may have a say on the final decision IMO, if that's the case don't be surprised to see the CHEIKA name get pushed more and more over the coming weeks ..