Former Wigan Warriors star set for shock coaching role

Many great halfbacks have have won the Harry Sunderland Award like Leeds Rhinos trio Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow, Wigan Warriors’ Thomas Leuluai and of course St Helens star Jonny Lomax last year.

In many ways the biggest game of the year lends itself to being determined by a play maker and an organiser and this was the case in 2013 when Blake Green stepped up and guided Wigan to the double as they completed a comeback from 16-2 down to winning 30-16.

Green had joined the Warriors ahead of that season from Hull KR as he and Matty Smith formed a new look halfback pairing as Brett Finch and Thomas Leuluai left the club leaving a lot of pressure on the duo.

They would guide Wigan back to Old Trafford again in 2014 but came up short against St Helens in Green’s last game before joining Melbourne Storm as George Williams took over the number six shirt for 2015.

Green played on until 2021 where he retired at Newcastle Knights after nearly 300 career appearances nearly 100 of which were in Super League.

Now though he could be set to take on the assistant coach role at Manly Sea Eagles according to Fox League after Shane Flanagan left the club to take charge of St George Illawarra Dragons.

This came after the club parted company with coach Anthony Griffin.

“These decisions are never taken lightly and on behalf of the club I want to thank Anthony for all his hard work during his time at the Dragons,” CEO Ryan Webb said.

“Unfortunately our performances over the first 10 games of this season have not met the club’s expectations so it was decided he should finish up his duties this week.”

Former Leeds Rhinos assistant and Featherstone Rovers boss Ryan Carr initially did a terrific job so far but missed out on the permanent role.

Initially, the Sydney Morning Herald and Zero Tackle reported that the job would go to Jason Ryles but Ryles is now headed to the Melbourne Storm.

However, talks were then held with former Cronulla Sharks Coach and Leeds Rhinos coaching target Shane Flanagan.

Flanagan won the 2016 NRL Grand Final against Blake Green’s Melbourne Storm.