The Wests Tigers are pursuing former Australian Wallabies coach Michael Cheika for the post of General Manager of Football in a game-changing left-field move.
According to News Corp, the 56-year-old, who is now the head coach of Argentina’s Rugby Union side, is being sought to bring his skills and leadership to the NRL. Cheika coached the Australian Wallabies from 2014 to 2019, winning World Rugby Coach of the Year in 2015.
The General Manager of Football oversees numerous elements of the club’s business, including the coaching staff, player roster management, recruitment, and cultivating youth talent through development paths. Tim Sheens resigned the position 12 months ago, leaving the position vacant.
Cheika’s probable move comes as Wests Tigers undergo considerable transition, with Benji Marshall slated to take over as head coach in the 2024 NRL season. Marshall’s appointment ushers in a new era for the club, and bringing in someone of Michael Cheika’s caliber would definitely help smooth the transition.
Wests Tigers have encountered difficulties in recent years, including two wooden spoon finishes in 2022 and 2023. Cheika’s depth of expertise might be the impetus for change as the club remains keen to establish a route to success and revitalization.
Over the previous few years, the club has been highly chastised for failing to stay the course on a number of different pathways, with the one area of consistency being the continuing tenure of CEO Justin Pascoe and Chairman Lee Hagipantelis.
Michael Cheika’s possible move from rugby union to the NRL would surely be a huge step.
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