LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
John Cartwright, the Broncos assistant coach, has 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 was initially talking to Stuart about his interest in the job when Stuart encouraged him to give it a go himself.
"When Freddy stood down, I was initially just talking to Ricky Stuart about it and where he stood," Cartwright said.
"He was sort of thinking that it maybe would be something he would be interested in… Ricky's an all-in or all-out type of guy, that's what he said to me.
He told me, 'I'm either all into it', which is going to affect his Raiders job, 'Or I'm out'," Cartwright said.
"Then he said, 'Would you consider doing it?', and I said, 'I'd love to do it'."
Cartwright officially put his name forward on October 5 and has spoken to NSWRL chief executive David Trodden about his interest in the role.
"I just had a quick talk to Dave Trodden and I think now they just go through their process with the CEO and the board," Cartwright said.
With several potential replacements for Fittler, including Craig Bellamy, Ivan Cleary, Paul McGregor, and Laurie Daley, Cartwright's revelation adds another name to the mix.
It remains to be seen who will ultimately be chosen as the next NSW Blues coach, but Cartwright's conversation with Stuart and his decision to put his hand up for the role certainly makes him a contender.