THE BOARDROOM: The strike rate of famous sons returning to coach NRL clubs

From having to sack a favourite son, to considering a great of the club for the next senior coaching role, how do clubs fare when it comes to reunions with stalwarts of a past system? This week, the boys dive into some of the club champions-turned-coaches across the NRL, and how much that connection pays off. With some failing to fire as coaches after stellar playing careers, and others currently in the hot seat after returning to their former clubs, the modern era coaching landscape has presented plenty of case studies. Plus, Hoffy names the current assistant could who could be the next senior coach of a club they captained, and the boys also chat the thrilling opener to the 2026 Origin series.

Hosted by NRL premiership players Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend, The Boardroom NRL Podcast takes a wide lens look at the state of rugby league, delivering big picture, no nonsense views on the NRL.

⬇️ THE AGENDA:

00:00 Welcome to the Boardroom

02:13 State of Origin Game 1 Review

11:36 Stephen Crichton

14:15 Former players coaching at clubland

16:51 What it takes to be an NRL coach

28:30 Why all coaches/players are replaceable

30:33 The importance of Old Boys

37:53 Jay Hoffman introduced into Raiders HOF

Recorded on 28/05/2026

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