Parramatta Eels begin interviewing for head coaching role
Parramatta powers-that-be have begun organising interviews for the vacant head coaching role, with two high-profile assistants leading the pack. See the full list of candidates
Parramatta have included former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on a shortlist alongside Jason Ryles and Josh Hannay as they begin setting up interviews with potential candidates to take over as head coach of the Eels.
Cheika, Ryles and Hannay were shortlisted along with interim coach Trent Barrett and NSW coach Michael Maguire, who is in the midst of preparing for the Blues for the opening State of Origin game.
The Eels are expected to begin interviews with the candidates as early as this week, having failed in their earlier attempt to convince seven-time premiership winner Wayne Bennett to turn his back on South Sydney and take over from Brad Arthur.
Arthur was sacked a fortnight ago after more than a decade at the helm of Parramatta, the club reaching the decision to make a coaching change on May 1 but keeping it under wraps for three weeks.
They used that time to mount a chase of Bennett but after coming up short, have opted to pursue a more formal process. The Eels shortlisted the candidates at a board meeting last week and contacted the contenders on Monday morning to arrange interviews.
The hope is that Parramatta will be in position to announce a new coach in a matter of weeks. Cheika is the most intriguing option, having made no secret of his desire to try his hand in the NRL.
It is understood a number of parties have contacted the Eels on behalf of Cheika and the club is keen to speak to him as they finalise a replacement for Arthur.
Ryles and Hannay, assistant coaches at Melbourne and Cronulla respectively, are considered the frontrunners for the role while Barrett did his cause no harm as Parramatta bounced back to their best with a win over Cronulla last Thursday.