Brett Kimmorley concedes taking on the interim Wests Tigers job could come back to haunt him and cruel his own NRL head coaching aspirations.
Kimmorley finishes his role on Sunday afternoon against Canberra in what is likely to be an 11th loss in 12 games since he took over from the sacked Michael Maguire.
Most Tigers fans will feel sympathy for Kimmorley, who has been left to run the show while incoming coach Tim Sheens keeps a noticeable distance from the club’s worst campaign in history.
Sheens has had so little to do with Kimmorley that the pair have barely spoken, despite working under the same roof at the club’s Concord base.
The 45-year-old Kimmorley took on the job with the hope of being seriously considered for the role on a permanent basis, only for the club to announce Sheens would be head coach with Tigers legend Benji Marshall to succeed him in 2025.
Kimmorley refuses to accept he was made the Tigers’ scapegoat, but does admit it might set him back landing a top job.
Brett Kimmorley’s time as interim coach ends on Sunday.Credit:Getty
“People will judge and say, ‘You’ve made no difference, you’ve won one out of 11 games’, and say that it’s been a poor performance that’s finished ugly,” Kimmorley told The Sun-Herald.
“But it was also an opportunity I’m thankful for, and I’ll be a better coach for it. I won’t say with hindsight I shouldn’t have done it because I’ve loved this opportunity.
“It’s been draining, that’s for sure. You’re disconnected from your family and partner for a couple of days after a bad performance, and it’s hard to let it go. As a player, you could get over a result quickly.
“Tim has helped with bits and pieces.
Adam Doueihi celebrates a rare Wests Tigers win.Credit:Getty
“I like to think come November 1 the club is in a better position than it was when I got the job 12 weeks ago when it was a bit broken.”
Kimmorley will retain a coaching position at the Tigers in 2023, but assistants Nathan Cayless and Ben Gardiner have already been told their services are not required, while it remains to be seen what happens to well-known trainer Ronnie Palmer.
“Sometimes it’s flown, sometimes it’s gone extremely slow,” Kimmorley said.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and it’s something I still have aspirations to do.
“It’s been an eye-opener, but I’ve stayed true to what I believe in and how I’ve spoken to the players – I’ve never sugar-coated or bullshitted them.”
Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said of Kimmorley being left to fend for himself: “I spoke with ‘Noddy’ on Monday about how challenging and tough it has been, but 12 months ago he would have never thought he’d have an opportunity to be a head coach of an NRL side.
“He’s done an outstanding job and a credit to his professionalism, and I’m sure he’s had some wonderful learning that will hold him in good stead.
“Tim has been respectful of the head coach and the assistants, has kept working behind the scenes and been available for any support or advice when needed.”
Meanwhile, Sheens will help Italy at the World Cup, but in an advisory role that will not require him to attend the tournament in England, which allows him to prepare for one of the club’s most vital pre-seasons.
