If in doubt, sack an assistant coach or two: NRL’s new scapegoats when teams underachieve

It used to be the case that being a head coach was the most cut-throat of occupations in the NRL. Now assistant coaches are the scapegoats when teams underachieve.

Terry Matterson was sacked by the Broncos on Friday. Kevin Walters is still the head coach. The Wests Tigers have already sacked their assistant coaches. Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and David Furner will be the new assistant coach at the West Tigers when Tim Sheens retires in 2022. They will replace Ben Gardiner and Nathan Cayless. Brett Kimmorley will remain the interim coach, probably in his previous pathways role. He will take over from Michael Maguire. It is a common practice for NRL clubs to sack their assistants after the season. Jim Dymock was moved on from the Gold Coast, Peter Gentle and Mathew Head from St George Illawarra and Justin Holbrook and Anthony Griffin from Warriors.