THE MEN WHO COULD BE KING

KEVIN WALTERS (below)

The best credentialled of all options. Has served as an assistant to Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy, but has questioned if time is right.

DES HASLER

Is still contracted to Canterbury until the end of 2019 but pressure is mounting on his future given the Bulldogs’ poor finish to the season.

GARTH BRENNAN

Is seen as one of the next cabs off the rank in terms of rookie coaches. Credited with bringing through the young generation of superstar Panthers.

ADAM O’BRIEN

Widely touted as the man who could take over in Melbourne once Bellamy finally hangs up the clipboard.

CRAIG HODGES

Will take over as an interim coach with fellow assistant Terry Matterson, who could also be an outsider given he has coached in the Super League.

ANTHONY SEIBOLD

Queensland’s assistant coach who is currently working under Michael Maguire at Souths. Another possible candidate who has come through Craig Bellamy’s system in Melbourne.