Stephen Kearney firms as favourite to replace Jason Taylor
Brent Read and Peter Kogoy | September 10, 2009
Article from: The Australian
MELBOURNE assistants Stephen Kearney and Michael Maguire have emerged as the frontrunners to replace Jason Taylor should the South Sydney board elect to terminate their coach's contract today.
Taylor's position at the Rabbitohs has been under review following revelations he was punched by one of his players - David Fa'alogo - during the club's end-of-season celebrations last Sunday.
The altercation is alleged to have occurred at the end of an eight-hour day during which the players and their coach drowned their sorrows following a season where they failed to make the finals. Souths chief executive Shane Richardson finalised his investigation into the incident yesterday and will forward his findings to the board today.
As part of his review, Richardson spoke to Fa'alogo while reports last night suggested the New Zealand forward had rung Taylor to apologise.
Fa'alogo's manager Gavin Orr said he was aware of a phone conversation between the pair, but could not confirm whether an apology was given.
What is known is that Richardson will meet board members today to discuss the situation. Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court confirmed talks were scheduled to take place and the findings would be reviewed before a decision was made on Taylor's future.
"We will review the facts when they are brought to the board and ensure that all the relevant considerations are made," Holmes a Court said. "No one is rushing to make a rash decision. These things are often done with a hot head. I'm going to make sure all the facts are in place before I form a judgment."
The final decision is likely to be made by Holmes a Court's fellow owner Russell Crowe, who only a matter of weeks ago voiced his support for Taylor. However, Crowe's backing of his embattled coach may have wavered in light of last Sunday's embarrassing incident.
Should the club decide to sack Taylor, Kearney looms as the most viable alternative, although premiership-winning coach John Lang is already on staff. As New Zealand coach, Kearney has worked with several players in the Rabbitohs squad including captain Roy Asotasi and hooker Issac Luke.
He was also on the coaching staff at Melbourne when Michael Crocker was with the Storm.
The only hurdle to Kearney's appointment would be his duties with the Kiwis. With the Four Nations tour scheduled for the end of the season, he would be unable to assume the reins at Souths until late November.
While it is understood Souths are yet to officially approach Kearney, The Australian was told last night an informal inquiry could come.
His fellow assistant at the Storm, Maguire, would also be given consideration given he is widely regarded as an NRL coach-in-waiting.
In other news yesterday, Melbourne forward Adam Blair was given the OK to play in tomorrow night's qualifying final against Manly after being cleared of a grapple tackle at the NRL judiciary.
And Gold Coast utility Preston Campbell has signed a two-year extension which will keep him at the club until the end of 2011. Campbell's decision to ink a new deal shapes as a lift for the Titans as they prepare for Saturday night's qualifying final against Brisbane.
"Preston was the Titans' first signing before a ball was even kicked in 2007, so the fact he has decided to continue playing with the club for a further two years is exciting," Gold Coast managing director Michael Searle said.
"It's equally as important that he remains on the Gold Coast for the impact he has on the community off the field as much as he excites people with what he does on the paddock."
