Argentina rugby union and Lebanon rugby league head coach Michael Cheika has revealed he would be interested in an NRL coaching job — labelling the opportunity an “awesome challenge”.
The 55-year-old has an impressive rugby union resume, coaching the NSW Waratahs, the Wallabies and most recently Argentina, who recently beat the All Blacks at home for the first time ever.
Cheika worked alongside Trent Robinson as an adviser to the Roosters coaching staff in 2020 before taking the Lebanon head coaching role that same year.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST: Rugby League World Cup Preview Special
Where did it go so wrong for Samoa? | 03:50
While there are some major differences between the rival codes, Cheika believes he is starting to understand the nuances of rugby league — and is backing himself to transition into any potential NRL job.
“I am starting to understand the language of NRL, that is for sure, I am starting to learn more about it, being a coach you can transition to anything because it is about getting the best out of people,” Cheika said to Fox League’s Jake Duke.
“The technicalities I am getting a handle on nicely, but for me coaching has always been a two-way street.
“You don’t go looking for anything, you do your best, and when things come your way and the opportunities are there you try to make the best of them because it will make you better as a coach.
“If that opportunity comes it’d be something that would be a huge challenge for me, because not many have done it, but I think it’d be an awesome challenge to take on.”
Fox League’s Greg Alexander and Corey Parker both gave Cheika a glowing endorsement and backed him to succeed in the NRL.
“Absolutely, I have been talking to Michael Cheika for 15 years even when he was back coaching the Waratahs, and I picked up back then just how much he loves league,” Alexander said.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
“Interview him about rugby, but it’d always turn around to rugby league, he loves rugby league, he is a great rugby coach and what he said, it is transitional.
“He has got the right temperament, the right character to be a fantastic coach and if he had a couple of good assistant coaches around him for the technical things, not that he needs them, I think he is just about there.
“But yes, he is an NRL coach for sure if he wanted to be.”
“He has done everything in rugby, he understands cultures, he understands teams, he understands dynamics, I think he’d be a fantastic acquisition for the NRL if he is able to land a job,” Parker said.
“If the people around him, the team in and around the head coach would certainly help with the technicalities, but man management, without a doubt.”
Cheika’s Lebanon team were impressive in a 34-12 loss at the hands of New Zealand, who are currently the No.1 ranked team in the world.
The NRL contingent of Mitchell Moses, Jacob Kiraz, Adam Doeuihi and James Roumanos were all impressive while Abbas Miski and Elie El-Zakhem were also impressive.
Lebanon face Ireland in a must-win clash to progress past the group stages and Cheika believes facing the Kiwis will only boost his side’s confidence.
Cleary’s legacy grows, Kangaroos next | 02:34
MORE NRL NEWS
‘SO SORRY’: Broncos star leads tributes after tragic death as Bennett link revealed
2023 SCHEDULE: Adelaide set for $90m Origin showcase as Maroons defend title
TRAGEDY: Kangaroos rocked as missing league player found dead in Spanish nightclub
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH: Best NRL players without a deal for 2023
‘WHAT WE DO NOW IS A JOKE’: Bennett backs calls for trade windows to end farce
“I think that is the great thing about being at the World Cup, I think for all intents and purpose it is a knockout competition,” Cheika said.
“Having the opportunity to play against New Zealand in Round 1, I just feel like sets us up really nicely, when you talk about confidence from that game it is more about belief that you can do something against the No.1 ranked team.
“Ireland will present a huge challenge for us, they have obviously got some good players and I know everyone talks about Luke (Keary), but there is some other players there.”
Cheika also has Lebanese heritage, with both of his parents emigrating to Australia in the 1950s, and couldn’t turn down the chance to represent the country.
“I think it is two-fold, to be able to do something for Lebanon in that regard in my chosen area, which is footy, I think that is an opportunity that is too good to let go,” Cheika said.
“Obviously my experience that I had after the 2019 World Cup with the Roosters, it got me really interested in league and the technicalities and how they coach.
“To get the opportunity to go to two World Cups in different sports, it has really been great development for me and great learning.”
