LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
John Cartwright, assistant coach for the Brisbane Broncos, recently revealed that he expressed his interest in the vacant NSW Blues coaching role after a conversation with Ricky Stuart.
This revelation comes after Brad Fittler stepped down from the position last month, leaving the Blues without a coach for the 2024 State of Origin series.
Cartwright, who was initially talking to Stuart about his interest in the job, was encouraged by Stuart to give it a go himself.
Stuart expressed that he was either "all into it" or "out" and suggested to Cartwright, "Would you consider doing it?".
Cartwright enthusiastically responded, "I'd love to do it."
Since Fittler's resignation, several names have been attached to the vacant role, including Craig Bellamy, Ivan Cleary, Paul McGregor, and Laurie Daley.
Daley, who had previously ruled out a return to the head coaching role, admitted last week that he would be "happy to help" the Blues.
However, Cartwright's conversation with Stuart seems to have led him to seriously consider taking on the role.
Cartwright officially put his name forward on October 5 and has already spoken to NSWRL chief executive David Trodden about his interest in the position.
Trodden informed Cartwright that the organization will now go through their process with the CEO and the board to determine the next NSW Blues coach.
It remains to be seen who will ultimately be chosen for the role, but Cartwright's revelation about his conversation with Stuart adds an interesting twist to the selection process.