Rugby league great John Cartwright has put his hand up to lead the NSW Blues back to glory by taking over as head coach.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the current Broncos assistant is being backed by Brisbane coach Kevin Walters.
Cartwright has more than 20 years of NRL coaching experience and has a strong relationship with NSW gun Payne Haas.
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The former Blues forward reportedly is hoping to be considered as a leading candidate to replace Brad Fittler, with Laurie Daley and Craig Bellamy also being discussed.
“I’m definitely interested (in the NSW job),’’ Cartwright said to News Corp.
“I’ve always loved that arena. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in it on and off for the last 15 years. It would be a dream job for me.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play for NSW and then be involved as a coach. Just seeing the dominance of Queensland, off and on, over the last 15 years, it’s a challenge and I love a challenge.’’
Cartwright also explained he believes he knows what it takes to get players ready to do battle in Origin.
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“You can’t doubt what Origin brings out in people,’’ Cartwright said.
“Winning a premiership is the ultimate but Origin is something that is uniquely different and I believe you have to understand how big of a beast it is.
“I know I can bring something to the role. It’s not like coaching a club team. I think it’s a fair bit different. But I think coaches that are day-to-day on the job are really important.
“Knowing how the players expect to prepare, having someone that is experienced in doing that is really important.”
Walters reportedly is a fan of his coaching staff being involved in representative football and Cartwright’s name has reportedly been floated as an assistant to Daley.
The pair previously worked together in 2017, during Queensland’s 2-1 series victory.
Cartwright played 184 games for the Panthers from 1985 to 1996, also earning 18 caps for the Kangaroos and eight for NSW.
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