The Bulldogs should think outside the box and take a punt on former Test halfback Brett Kimmorley for the coaching job for 2023 and beyond.
The usual suspects are being bandied around as the men to fill the hot seat – Blues Origin coach Brad Fittler, premiership winners Shane Flanagan and Paul Green, Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo and St Helens’ Aussie coach Kristian Woolf.
Kimmorley hasn’t coached at NRL level but has one of the best analytical minds in the game and is currently working on pathways and junior development with the Wests Tigers.
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Cool headed and able to relate to young players, Kimmorley has recruited some outstanding youngsters who will be top class players for the Wests Tigers – but sadly not for the next few seasons as they are all in the 16-18 year age bracket.
In his playing days, there were few smarter halfbacks and he could pick apart opposition defences with his class and ability to read a game.
The man known as ‘Noddy’ has all the other attributes a coach needs – he can ‘schmooze’ the board, is a polished media performer and will relate well to the fans.
And let’s not forget he played the final two seasons of his illustrious career at the Bulldogs – what a perfect fit.
While Kimmorley is an option who ticks a lot of boxes, Phil Gould has hinted strongly that the next man for the job will be an experienced campaigner. Put it down as the job he should get rather than the one he will.
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