An interesting name has been raised as a potential option to lead the Dragons from next season, and he boasts quite the CV.
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Former Wallabies coach now Roosters assistant Michael Cheika has reportedly shown interest in the vacant gig according to Code Sports.
While interim coach Dean Young appears to be the favourite and will have 17 games this season to put together his case, Cheika looms as an intriguing option.
Cheika led the Wallabies to a World Cup final in 2015 during his six-year stint as the national coach. He also coached Argentina in 2022 and 2023.
According to Fox League’s Matty Johns, the Dragons should look at taking a chance on Cheika.
“Michael Cheika would be great for the Dragons, I believe he has the ability to unite the club,” Johns said.
“You have to be able to handle the heat these days and ‘Chek’ is experienced enough to do that.
“It might be time to shift a bit left of centre and show some faith in Michael Cheika.”
Is Young the long term Dragons option? | 06:25
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Cheika isn’t a newbie in rugby league. He coached Lebanon during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and has been working as an assistant coach at the Roosters since 2025.
He reportedly told Code Sports that he’s interested in one day landing an NRL head coach position without specifically naming the Dragons.
Like Johns, premiership winning half Luke Keary believes an NRL club could do worse than consider Cheika.
“He’s got a bit of Craig Fitzgibbon about him. He’s a man’s man,” Keary told Code Sports.
“He’s got the aura of a well-travelled man who’s coached in different parts of the world.”
