West Tigers close to decision on next head coach

The Wests Tigers are hoping to name their new full-time head coach by the end of the month, says chairman Lee Hagipantelis.

After winning only three of their first 12 games this year, the Tigers sacked head coach Michael Maguire and appointed Brett Kimmorley to the role for the remainder of the season.

Hagipantelis revealed there were “a number” of applicants for the role, adding the club was close to selecting a successful candidate.

“The efforts for identifying and appointing a new coach continue,” he told SEN.

“Hopefully within a week or two, a decision can be made and announced.

“But there’s no urgency and there’s no timetable. What’s important is that we find the right person.”

Hagipantelis confirmed the Tigers had been in talks with off-contract Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo, who is likely to be the next man to transition from NRL assistant to head coach.

“We presented to a particular candidate a vision, what I thought was a compelling argument,” he said.

“We’re respectful of the decision that needs to be made and it is a very significant decision.”

Meanwhile, the Tigers have dismissed reports five-eighth Luke Brooks will be dropped as speculation.

Brooks’ form was subject to intense scrutiny when the Tigers began the season as the only winless team after five rounds.

While the Tigers notched back-to-back wins when halfback Jackson Hastings returned from suspension in round six, they have since dropped six of their last seven games and only won when Brooks was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Utility Adam Doueihi played limited minutes on his return from an ACL injury against Canterbury last week but could challenge Brooks for selection in the halves in the Tigers’ next game.

Playing at five-eighth, Doueihi was one of the Tigers’ strongest performers last season and will be closer to full fitness by the time the Tigers face the Warriors on July 3.

But the Tigers source said Kimmorley would not make any conclusive decisions about the make-up of his 17 until closer to game day, despite reports to the contrary this week.

It remains to be seen whether Tyrone Peachey will still be at the club by then.

Peachey was named in the leadership group on his arrival at the Tigers this season but has since fallen out of favour.

The former NSW Origin representative hasn’t played at NRL level in a month and has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs only half a season into his two-year contract.