Balmain_Bug
New member
By Dean Ritchie From: The Daily Telegraph September 15, 2009 12:00AM
STEVE Folkes is ready to make his return to the NRL, with Wests Tigers offering him a job as head trainer.
But there's a get-out clause attached to the deal - just in case the Souths coaching position is up for grabs by tonight.
Folkes, the former Bulldogs premiership-winning coach, is poised to replace current Tigers trainer Cherry Mescia alongside head coach Tim Sheens.
After leaving the Dogs last year, fitness fanatic Folkes took over as strength and conditioning coach for the West Indies cricket team.
But he makes no secret of the fact he would love to be back in the NRL.
While the trainer's job at the Tigers has appeal, Folkes admits he is a career coach and it seems highly likely he will throw his hat in to the Rabbitohs' ring if Jason Taylor's tenure at South Sydney is ended because of his involvement in the club's Sad Sunday incident. Taylor has until 5pm today to explain why he should not be sacked after a punch-up with player David Fa'alogo.
Speculation is rife that Taylor is facing the sack, but he and manager Wayne Beavis are ready to present a strong case for his retention. Fa'alogo will front the Souths board this Friday to explain his actions.
If Souths do sack Taylor, the club will start the search for a replacement and several experienced coaches will be sounded out.
Asked whether he would want to coach Souths, Folkes said: "I guess. I'm a career coach. I am currently unemployed so if any head coaching job came up, you would have to say you're interested.''
Folkes said he was "not at liberty'' to reveal details of his Wests Tigers deal.
On the subject of his get-out clause, Folkes said: "That's all a bit too far ahead for me.
"I haven't given that any thought.'' Ironically, Tigers coach Sheens was initially mooted as a candidate for the Souths job, alongside Sharks assistant Shane Flanagan and former North Queensland coach Graham Murray.
Souths football manager John Lang, a veteran coach, is unlikely to covet the job.
"As far as I know, everyone is jumping the gun [in relation to Souths]. Jason Taylor is still employed there,'' Folkes said.
Folkes' manager John Fordham was also reluctant to discuss any possible move to Redfern. "I am not prepared to discuss anything to do with Souths while there is still a coach employed by that organisation,'' Fordham said.
Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court and CEO Shane Richardson want to hear Taylor's explanation before deciding the coach's future.
"It's a board process. But it is important we wait and receive all the information. JT has a right of response,'' Holmes a Court said. "I'm not forming an opinion until we have completed the process. We will do that professionally and thoroughly. The worst that can happen in these situations is for someone to be pre-judged.''
STEVE Folkes is ready to make his return to the NRL, with Wests Tigers offering him a job as head trainer.
But there's a get-out clause attached to the deal - just in case the Souths coaching position is up for grabs by tonight.
Folkes, the former Bulldogs premiership-winning coach, is poised to replace current Tigers trainer Cherry Mescia alongside head coach Tim Sheens.
After leaving the Dogs last year, fitness fanatic Folkes took over as strength and conditioning coach for the West Indies cricket team.
But he makes no secret of the fact he would love to be back in the NRL.
While the trainer's job at the Tigers has appeal, Folkes admits he is a career coach and it seems highly likely he will throw his hat in to the Rabbitohs' ring if Jason Taylor's tenure at South Sydney is ended because of his involvement in the club's Sad Sunday incident. Taylor has until 5pm today to explain why he should not be sacked after a punch-up with player David Fa'alogo.
Speculation is rife that Taylor is facing the sack, but he and manager Wayne Beavis are ready to present a strong case for his retention. Fa'alogo will front the Souths board this Friday to explain his actions.
If Souths do sack Taylor, the club will start the search for a replacement and several experienced coaches will be sounded out.
Asked whether he would want to coach Souths, Folkes said: "I guess. I'm a career coach. I am currently unemployed so if any head coaching job came up, you would have to say you're interested.''
Folkes said he was "not at liberty'' to reveal details of his Wests Tigers deal.
On the subject of his get-out clause, Folkes said: "That's all a bit too far ahead for me.
"I haven't given that any thought.'' Ironically, Tigers coach Sheens was initially mooted as a candidate for the Souths job, alongside Sharks assistant Shane Flanagan and former North Queensland coach Graham Murray.
Souths football manager John Lang, a veteran coach, is unlikely to covet the job.
"As far as I know, everyone is jumping the gun [in relation to Souths]. Jason Taylor is still employed there,'' Folkes said.
Folkes' manager John Fordham was also reluctant to discuss any possible move to Redfern. "I am not prepared to discuss anything to do with Souths while there is still a coach employed by that organisation,'' Fordham said.
Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court and CEO Shane Richardson want to hear Taylor's explanation before deciding the coach's future.
"It's a board process. But it is important we wait and receive all the information. JT has a right of response,'' Holmes a Court said. "I'm not forming an opinion until we have completed the process. We will do that professionally and thoroughly. The worst that can happen in these situations is for someone to be pre-judged.''
