The Evolution of Rugby League in 2026
There is a feeling in the air that a change is upon us. The game of rugby league has evolved significantly in early 2026, with entire clubs falling behind the curve. Coaches who were once considered infallible have found themselves replaced due to their inability to adapt to new strategies and trends.
Anthony Seibold was sacked very early in the season for refusing to move with the times. Similarly, former Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was removed from his role, in no small part, due to his reluctance to move on from his tried and tested ways. The game is crying out for fresh ideas, and new coaches are needed more than ever.
While it’s tempting to look towards experienced mentors, sometimes it’s time to look toward the future. Here, we explore five names we believe will be called upon for NRL gigs in the coming years.
Kieran Foran has been left off this list as he’s (likely) about to be named full-time coach of the Sea Eagles. Stacey Jones, current New Zealand international coach, has also been left off. Ben Hornby, having coached 17 games, has also been left off. Peter Wallace was originally the top entry here but news has since broken that he will coach the Penrith Panthers from 2028. He thus becomes unavailable. Here are the top five next man up NRL coaches:
Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)
The entire rugby league world let out a collective sigh when Boyd Cordner announced his retirement, many years before it should have come. Luckily for his fans, and there are many, he was not lost to the game after being announced as the SG Ball coach for the Sydney Roosters.
Cordner, in his first coaching gig, led the side to the SG Ball Premiership on the back of a season that saw them drop just one game. The title-winning season saw them concede just 116 points across 11 games. The next closest was Souths on 166 conceded across 11 games.
I spoke with a parent of one of the successful SG squad and she almost ran out of superlatives to describe Cordner’s efforts this year. He’ll need to serve time in the NRL set up as an assistant, which is why he is fifth here and not higher, but Cordner will be a name linked to clubs sooner than later. Especially given the success of the even less experienced Kieran Foran.
Blake Green (North Queensland Cowboys)
Blake Green, by all reports, was close to obtaining head coaching gigs at both the Knights and in England. He must be close. Currently serving as an assistant to the high-flying Cowboys, Green also worked at the Knights between 2021 and 2025.
I was about to list all of the clubs Blake Green had represented across the NRL and Super League, but there are nine. Nine clubs across a 15-year career for a total of 270 games. Fair to say Green has experience in the top grade, across multiple systems, and situations to draw from.
Green was previously appointed NRLW head coach before the Covid-delayed season saw him transition into the men’s set up. Talks are he was super close to the aforementioned Knights job. I’m not sure if he’s interviewed for the Dragons role, but either way, he may not be available for too much longer.
Matt King (Sydney Roosters)
Matt King rates higher here than his fellow Roosters colleague due to his seniority and experience. King has long been an assistant at the Roosters, starting with the club back in 2017. He’s also been an assistant coach in the Blues set up since 2023.
He was also involved with the Rabbitohs back in 2014, when they lifted the NRL Premiership trophy. The 220 NRL game veteran is a huge figure and very highly respected within the Roosters ranks.
A rep regular in both his playing and coaching days, King seems like an obvious choice to step in to the top job sooner rather than later. I dare suggest that any club looking for a culture shift need look no further than the charismatic King.
David Tangata-Toa (New Zealand Warriors)
Despite being a name that will be less familiar than others on this list, David Tangata-Toa’s coaching resume screams First Grade Coach! Tangata-Toa guided the New Zealand Warriors to NSW Cup Premiership success last year.
Tanah Boyd’s unlikely rise this season is the stuff of legend. It all started under Tangata-Toa in the reserve grade competition. Anyone who watches the NSW Cup regularly will know how difficult it is for coaches. Players are made unavailable at short notice with alarming regularity.
He also spent time under Premiership-winning coach Paul Green, as an assistant, during a stint with the Cowboys. His resume stretches back way further, and I’m willing to bet it adds “NRL Coach” before too long.
Matt Ballin (Brisbane Broncos)
I have no doubt that Matt Ballin was going to be named Manly Sea Eagles coach for 2027, had Kieran Foran not absolutely aced his audition. The Broncos assistant looks the next cab off the rank in terms of the next coaching appointment.
Talk is that the Dragons are looking at former players but doing a disservice not to at least talk to, and seriously consider, the 220 NRL veteran. Ballin’s coaching resume is extensive for a 42-year-old.
He coached the Queensland Under 19s team, has been involved in the senior QLD set up since 2024 and coached both the Manly under 20s and reserve grade team, Blacktown. He’s been involved with the Broncos since 2021, where his initial role was Development Coach.
Ballin, a two-time Premiership winner as a player, looks the most ready-made of all rookie coaches and is assured to be linked to every role available.
