Former All Blacks and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is reportedly considering a significant code switch, with an offer to lead the proposed Christchurch-based Southern Orcas in the National Rugby League (NRL). The Orcas, who are vying to become the 20th franchise in the Australian competition, have presented Robertson with a four-year contract, should their bid for an NRL licence be successful.
Sir Graham Lowe, president of the Orcas, confirmed the offer, noting that Robertson, known as “Razor,” was surprised but also excited by the prospect. Lowe, a former New Zealand rugby league national team coach, emphasised that Robertson’s leadership qualities and character were key factors in the approach, alongside his coaching abilities. Robertson’s potential move would mark a considerable change, as his coaching career has been exclusively in rugby union.
Webster offers advice on code switch
NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has weighed in on the possibility of Robertson transitioning to rugby league. Webster, who met Robertson previously, described him as a “terrific guy” with immense passion for coaching. While Robertson has no prior rugby league coaching experience, Webster does not view this as an insurmountable obstacle, citing historical examples of coaches successfully moving between rugby codes.
Webster highlighted that successful cross-code coaches typically possess strong man-management skills and are willing to recruit experts in specific areas of the game. He expressed confidence that Robertson, given his intelligence and track record of success, would assemble the right team if he were to take on the role. Webster was a guest of Andy Farrell, current Ireland and British & Irish Lions rugby coach, at a training session last month. Farrell himself played rugby league for most of his career, winning seven championship crowns with Wigan before switching codes.
Other notable figures who have coached across both codes include Alan Jones, who coached the Wallabies before joining the Balmain Tigers, and Michael Cheika, who has coached Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup and served as an assistant with the Sydney Roosters. Former NZ Kiwis coach David Kidwell also transitioned from NRL assistant roles to become a defensive coach with the Argentina Pumas.
Impact on New Zealand rugby league landscape
The prospect of a second New Zealand-based NRL team has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from the Warriors. Webster acknowledged the strong, unified fanbase the Warriors have cultivated across the country. He expressed some personal struggle with the idea of potentially diluting that support, questioning whether adding another team would maintain the same national feeling.
The Warriors recently hosted the North Queensland Cowboys at the new Te Kaha indoor stadium, drawing 25,365 fans, demonstrating the existing appetite for rugby league in the region. The attempt to recruit Robertson is seen as a move that could resonate with fans in the South Island, who fondly recall his distinctive break-dancing victory celebrations during his time with the Crusaders.
Tanner Stowers-Smith, a former St Bede’s College product and current member of the Warriors interchange bench, also offered his support for Robertson. Stowers-Smith, who played under Robertson with the Junior Crusaders, believes that Robertson’s winning mindset and extensive success in rugby union would enable him to excel in rugby league. The Orcas have officially submitted their bid for NRL participation and are awaiting a decision from Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.
Source: odt.co.nz
