Anyone’s guess with Castleford set to start domino effect over coaches

However, in 2011, a lot of that is on hold as another, more crucial appointment, takes precedence – the whereabouts of an increasingly large number of head coaches.

Yorkshire, in particular, could see a sizeable number of changes ahead of next year with Castleford Tigers’ Terry Matterson and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats’ John Kear definitely moving on at the end of this campaign and Matt Calland having already done so at Championship club Halifax.

But with continuous speculation about the futures of Hull KR head coach Justin Morgan, Huddersfield Giants’ supremo Nathan Brown and, to a lesser extent, Bradford Bulls’ Mick Potter, there could imminently be as many as six posts vacant in the region.

It is certainly an unusual situation. Indeed, of the county’s seven Super League clubs, only Hull FC’s Richard Agar and Leeds Rhinos’ Brian McDermott seem certain to be remaining where they are for 2012.

Ironically, that pair have possibly come under most pressure from their respective fans due to indifferent form, something McDermott can remedy if he helps Leeds end their 12-year wait for Challenge Cup glory later this month.

Agar will hope new owner Adam Pearson gives him chance to prove himself in East Yorkshire.

Of those potentially on the move, though, so much is inter-woven that trying to plot who will end up where is as difficult as establishing what the RFL was thinking with its recent handling of the licence process.

Starting with the certainties, those age-old rivals Castleford and Wakefield do each need a new head coach for 2012.

Castleford’s concerned senior players met with chief executive Richard Wright yesterday to discuss the situation surrounding the Wheldon Road vacancy. The Tigers chief had earlier asked their opinion about various candidates for the role – the affable Matterson announced back at the start of July that he would be ending his six-year tenure – and it is thought he will arrow in on their prime target after more interviews this week.

However, given the lack of progress on recruitment and retention, the squad were, understandably, keen to see some progress in readiness for 2012.

It emerges Morgan, the currently out-of-work Brian Noble and Leigh’s former St Helens chief Ian Millward head the list along with some lesser-known applicants from the NRL.

Morgan, 35, is under contract at Rovers, whom he joined six years ago, until 2012 but has been allowed to speak with Castleford and is sure to be well-considered.

Ex-Bradford and Great Britain boss Noble, 50, however, will point to his track record in Super League – five successive Grand Finals with the Bulls – and is seen by many as the favourite.

Matterson, as yet, has not stated where he will be next year although Auckland could be a possible destination.

Former Leeds head coach Brian McClennan was announced as the New Zealand Warriors chief earlier this week and the pair did work closely and successfully in preparing the Exiles against England in June, Matterson as the Kiwi’s assistant. However, the 45-year-old is also set to be sounded out for the Canterbury Bulldogs’ head coach role with the Sydney club’s chief executive over in the UK ready to speak to a raft of England-based Australians.

Potter, Brown and Morgan are each also believed to be set for talks with the Bulldogs official although Australian insiders believe it is all a smokescreen – an expensive one at that – with New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart, if not caretaker coach Jim Dymock, already assured of the post,

However, Potter, who won two Premierships as a Canterbury player in 1983 and the following year, would be an obvious contender and he expressed his desire to return to Sydney last year on leaving St Helens.

When no positions materialised, he opted for the Bradford job, signing a two-year deal.

Similarly, ex-St George’s chief Brown has also shown intent to head home. He recently agreed a one-year extension at the Galpharm but if Canterbury wanted him it is unlikely Huddersfield would stand in his way given the positive impact he has brought on the club.

Kear may feel unlucky not being offered a new contract at Wakefield given he has fought fires for them during some difficult times in his five years.

However, maybe it is a sign of their improved intent under new owner Andrew Glover that they want to seek a fresh face. There will be plenty of applicants, and no doubt Noble and Morgan would fit too.

It is a harsh price for Kear but, at 56, he may be able to see the thinking. Regardless, the experienced ex-Hull chief is one of the few to attain a Level 4 coaching certificate, the sort of qualification which, if he does not fancy Halifax, should surely see him eventually at the RFL.

Expect Castleford to make their decision shortly, and then the domino effect will begin.