'I'd jump at it': England boss Eddie Jones reveals his dream job

England boss Eddie Jones has added to the speculation that he would love the chance to swap codes and coach in the Australian NRL. It was last month, prior to England arriving in Perth for their three-Test tour, that Jones was linked with a possible switch to the Cronulla Sharks, a rumour endorsed by former cross-code back Mat Rogers.

“He’d be a revelation,” claimed dual-international Rogers at the time. “He has a brilliant mind and his work ethic is relentless. He knows the game of rugby league, he knows it really well. Alan Jones did it (at Balmain) and I would put Eddie Jones on another level in his work ethic. I can see him being a success 100 times over.”

With England going on to enjoy a 2-1 series win over the Wallabies, Jones and assistant coach Anthony Seibold have remained in Australia on a fact-finding mission. They spent time last week with Melbourne Storm boss Craig Bellamy while also visiting AFL clubs Melbourne and Carlton.

Now, they have spent this Wednesday at the Penrith Panthers whose coaches, boss Ivan Cameron and assistants Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster, were allowed into the England camp during the build-up to the series-deciding third Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on July 16. 

Away from the information exchange session with NRL coaches, Jones explained to Nine Entertainment Co his interest in NRL and why he would jump at the chance of coaching rugby league – especially South Sydney Rabbitohs.  

“I like the game. If there was an opportunity there (in the NRL) I would jump at it, but the reality is it’s probably not going to be there,” said Jones, whose England contract expires after next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. 

Jones’ dream would be to coach the Rabbitohs. “That would be the dream team. That would be the dream. From the age of five, I’ve supported Souths. That would be fantastic (to coach the Rabbitohs). I loved the old teams with Ronnie Coote, Bob McCarthy, John Sattler and Eric Simms.”

Ex-Rabbitohs and Broncos boss Seibold added: “The Panthers wanted to come and see what we are doing and Eddie runs an elite programme. It’s great to catch up with other coaches. They are really good guys, I know them well. 

“It’s a really impressive coaching group. For us, it’s about seeing how others do it. It’s about sharing ideas and seeing how other coaches go about their business, it’s been brilliant. It’s great for our learning and their learning. Most coaches are prepared to swap information, and it is really collaborative.”