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HE is an unknown who has stood in the shadows at Newcastle behind Michael Hagan and Brian Smith for four years. But this is the man ready to step into the light and coach the mighty Newcastle Knights.
Rick Stone, Newcastle's assistant coach, has the support of the players and is good mates with Knights legend and club director Paul Harragon. Although untried at NRL level, Stone said he was ready to step-up and take on one of the plum jobs in rugby league.
The Daily Telegraph understands Newcastle want to name a replacement for Roosters-bound Brian Smith by the end of August.
Stone joins a number of other high-profile contenders including Matthew Johns, David Fairleigh, Steve Folkes and Shane Flanagan.
Stone is the brother of former Canberra player Steve.
"I'm ready to step into the top role and be comfortable," he said.
"I have a good relationship with the Newcastle players and I think my man-management skills are good.
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"I think players are comfortable with me and they understand quickly what point I'm trying to get across.
"Hopefully I am also a coach the players want to play under.
"If they aren't looking for someone with NRL experience - then I am confident I could be a success if given the job."
Stone, 42, coached the Burleigh Bears for 10 years in the Queensland Cup. He had a winning success rate of 80 per cent, reaching four grand finals and missing the finals just once.
Stone also played for Lakes United in the local Newcastle competition before three seasons with Souths in Sydney in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He then captain-coached Nambucca Heads in 1992-93 before moving into the Queensland Cup. Asked what his strength was, Stone said: "The biggest ally I have is that I believe in the processes and structure that Brian has put into place.
"The players believe in them too.
"I think I could keep that going and keep those structures in place.
"Working with Michael Hagan and Brian Smith has put the finishing touches on my coaching career.
"I am inexperienced at NRL level but I have a wealth of experience when it comes to coaching. It's a matter of what the club wants."
Hagan, meanwhile, gave Stone a huge wrap, adding that he had "plenty of knowledge and has served a good apprenticeship"
Rick Stone, Newcastle's assistant coach, has the support of the players and is good mates with Knights legend and club director Paul Harragon. Although untried at NRL level, Stone said he was ready to step-up and take on one of the plum jobs in rugby league.
The Daily Telegraph understands Newcastle want to name a replacement for Roosters-bound Brian Smith by the end of August.
Stone joins a number of other high-profile contenders including Matthew Johns, David Fairleigh, Steve Folkes and Shane Flanagan.
Stone is the brother of former Canberra player Steve.
"I'm ready to step into the top role and be comfortable," he said.
"I have a good relationship with the Newcastle players and I think my man-management skills are good.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Related Coverage
- Johns out of race as Knights mentor The Australian, 9 hours ago
- Johns in the mix to coach Newcastle The Australian, 2 days ago
- Folkes interested in Knights job Fox Sports, 3 days ago
- Smith's career move won't stop Knights The Australian, 3 days ago
- Knights look at coaching rookies Fox Sports, 4 days ago
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"I think players are comfortable with me and they understand quickly what point I'm trying to get across.
"Hopefully I am also a coach the players want to play under.
"If they aren't looking for someone with NRL experience - then I am confident I could be a success if given the job."
Stone, 42, coached the Burleigh Bears for 10 years in the Queensland Cup. He had a winning success rate of 80 per cent, reaching four grand finals and missing the finals just once.
Stone also played for Lakes United in the local Newcastle competition before three seasons with Souths in Sydney in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He then captain-coached Nambucca Heads in 1992-93 before moving into the Queensland Cup. Asked what his strength was, Stone said: "The biggest ally I have is that I believe in the processes and structure that Brian has put into place.
"The players believe in them too.
"I think I could keep that going and keep those structures in place.
"Working with Michael Hagan and Brian Smith has put the finishing touches on my coaching career.
"I am inexperienced at NRL level but I have a wealth of experience when it comes to coaching. It's a matter of what the club wants."
Hagan, meanwhile, gave Stone a huge wrap, adding that he had "plenty of knowledge and has served a good apprenticeship"
