Wests Tigers linked to Kristian Woolf following Cameron Ciraldo snub
Wests Tigers could turn their attention to Kristian Woolf after Cameron Ciraldo turned down the opportunity to become the new head coach of the club.
The Tigers are on the hunt for Michael Maguire’s successor and had put Ciraldo at the top of their list. However for one reason or another the current Penrith assistant coach has turned down the opportunity.
Ciraldo had been given a guided tour of all the facilities at Concord. He also met with footy boss Tim Sheens and chairman Lee Hagipantelis before making his decision. A bumper five-year contract was put on the table, but was not enough to convince Ciraldo to take the job.
Ciraldo rejects Tigers
The news is a big disappointment to the Tigers, who broke the news on their club website.
A statement on the website read: “The club has been contacted by Cameron Ciraldo and his management this afternoon and they have advised the club that he is not in a position to accept the role of Head Coach at this juncture in his career.
“Whilst disappointing, we respect his decision, and we will continue with the selection process in appointing our club’s Head Coach.”
Tigers legend Benji Marshall is also disappointed by the news.
“It is obviously a bit disappointing they didn’t get Cameron,” Marshall said on Fox League. “I know they invested heavily in him as their first choice, especially offering him a five year deal.
“I think that showed how much they really wanted him, which is a little bit sad. But there is a lot of good coaches still out there.”
Ciraldo is also known to be on the wanted list of Canterbury. The Bulldogs have yet to confirm Trent Barrett’s successor and Ciraldo is an option.
Reports claimed it was a straight scrap between the Bulldogs and the Tigers for Ciraldo. However it is still possible that he will also snub the Bulldogs and stay with the Panthers.
Wests Tigers could turn to Woolf
Reports are now suggesting that the Tigers will turn their attention to Woolf. The St Helens coach has already rejected the New Zealand Warriors who pushed the boat out to get him.
Woolf is keen to return to Australia and that could give the Tigers a shout. There has also been talk of him working as assistant to Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins. Such a role would give him the chance to return to his native Queensland.
However the chance to coach the Tigers would also appeal if they go down that route. Shane Flanagan and John Morris are also said to be in the frame.