Ricky Stuart, the former coach of Cronulla, is set to sign a two-year contract to become the first full-time coach of the New South Wales Blues State of Origin team.
In 2005, Stuart was the last NSW coach to achieve a series victory over Queensland.
Since then, the Maroons have maintained their dominance, and Stuart now faces the challenge of breaking a five-year losing streak.
Thus, the 43-year-old is taking on one of the most demanding roles within the sport.
Highly regarded by the players, the former Test coach appears poised to possess more authority than any previous Blues coach.
Following an assessment of the unsuccessful 2010 NSW Origin campaign commissioned by the NSWRL, led by NRL research board chairman and former Sydney Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan, discussions have arisen about reducing the number of selectors from the current four.
Historically, the NSW coach has not been a selector. Previously, if the selectors reached an impasse, the deciding vote rested with NSWRL chairman Colin Love.
However, it is believed that Stuart will serve as one of two selectors, with the other vote coming from a newly established chief adviser position. Bob Fulton, Laurie Daley, Bob McCarthy, and Geoff Gerard have held the selector positions for the last five Origin campaigns, with Daley resigning after the third game in July this year.
There have been speculations regarding Fulton’s involvement in the adviser role, along with former NSW coach Phil Gould.
Gould, who during his tenure led NSW to 14 victories in 24 matches, has claimed his Origin days are behind him.
Stuart succeeded Gould and led NSW to three consecutive series victories.
After his dismissal from the Sydney Roosters in 2006, Stuart joined Cronulla in 2007. He was released from the final year of his Sharks contract in May this year.
Since that time, the player who has won three premierships has been available as a free agent.
Stuart has been open about his desire to coach another NRL club, which would be his third. This ambition was reportedly a point of negotiation before Stuart agreed to return to the Blues.
It is understood that if an NRL position becomes available for the 2012 season, Stuart has the option in his Origin contract to request a release.
