Sharks and Maroons assistant Josh Hannay moves one step closer to taking over Parramatta coaching role
Josh Hannay has found time between his duties as an assistant for the Sharks and Maroons to hold a second interview with the Parramatta Eels, but allegiances are split among club heavyweights.
Parramatta’s search for a new coach has intensified with Josh Hannay understood to have conducted his second interview with the club over the weekend.
Hannay has been absent over the past fortnight through his roles as an assistant coach with Cronulla, who played Canterbury on Friday night, and Queensland, who contested State of Origin II in Melbourne last Wednesday.
He has previously been involved in a 10-day camp with the Maroons.
This masthead was told Hannay had been interviewed a second time, which is understood to have taken place either Saturday or Sunday.
Parramatta management is refusing to release any key details about their pursuit of a new coach.
The process is moving slowly and it’s unlikely Parramatta will announce their new coach any time this week.
Hannay, Trent Barrett, Jason Ryles and Dean Young remain the key candidates to replace sacked Brad Arthur.
Influential figures at the club are split between Hannay and Ryles.
None of the candidates are fully aware of their chances and none have yet been formally ruled out.
Interim coach Barrett and his Eels were desperately unlucky to lose to Newcastle on Saturday night.
Hannay’s heavy schedule with Cronulla and Queensland has made it difficult to meet with Parramatta.
Storm assistant coach Ryles was at AAMI Park over the weekend watching the Storm play Canberra on Saturday night.
And St George Illawarra assistant Young was unavailable on Sunday with the Dragons playing the Dolphins at Kogarah
I’ll catch up with them (Parramatta) post-Origin,” Hannay told 2GB.
“Given the schedule I’ve had the last month, it has been difficult to find the time. We’ll catch up after game two and see where it all lands.
“I think in my own mind, there’s no doubt about my readiness. I’ve stated that publicly, so we will see where it all lands.
“There’s not a lot from my end to tell, it’s an ongoing process and we’ll take a step forward after game two.“
Barrett has the support of Parramatta’s playing group.
“I just feel like I’m ready to be successful and it’s a club I really want to coach,” Barrett said a fortnight ago.
“This feels like the right club for me now. I feel I can help the club and players. The lessons I’ve learned, I think I can add value to the club. I’d like to be given an opportunity.
“I love coaching and have had my time back as an assistant. I get on really well with the players but you don’t have to be liked to be respected. The squad is a little older. They are men and I don’t have to baby them, I can be upfront.”