The Wests Tigers, who just underwent a merger, are allegedly interested to appoint former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika as their new general manager of football.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the Tigers will make a bid for Cheika as early as this week to take over the position. If successful, the 56-year-old would be in charge of the team’s coaching staff, roster, grassroots initiatives, and recruitment.
Although former Tigers player Mark O’Neill was rumored to be considering for the position, the Tigers currently have their sights set on Cheika.
Cheika recently guided the Argentina national team to a fourth-place finish in the 2023 Rugby Union World Cup.
Following the World Cup, Cheika’s contract with Argentina was set to expire.
Following their World Cup effort in rugby, CEO Justin Pascoe and chairman Lee Hagipantelis will speak with Cheika once more.
In a recent interview, Hagipantelis expressed his unhappiness that the club’s interest in the former Wallabies coach had been made public while being questioned about Cheika and his credentials.
As for the Wests Tigers and the Head of Football position, Hagipantelis told SEN, “I’m told he’s (Cheika) a very impressive character and people speak very, very highly of him. However, all the applications and candidates are being considered on a strictly confidential basis.”
Once more, we are discussing topics that have been reported in the newspaper, which worries me. I just don’t know how to describe this.
Although Cheika is primarily recognized for his achievements in rugby union, he also has some league expertise.
In 2020, Cheika was an adviser with the Roosters. In 2022, he coached Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup.
He is good friends with Robbie Farah, the assistant coach of the Tigers. According to reports, Farah proposed that the Tigers consider looking at Cheika.
