The conversation surrounding the future of State of Origin coaching is becoming increasingly intense, as former NSW Blues forward Ryan Hoffman and seasoned half Chad Townsend explore potential successors to Laurie Daley.
Though Daley currently leads the Blues, with his contract set to expire next year, speculation about an early exit has prompted Hoffman and Townsend to evaluate alternative options.
Townsend proposed that New South Wales should boost its representative roster by bringing in more star power, specifically endorsing rugby league legends Andrew and Matthew Johns as potential coaching candidates after Matty expressed willingness to assist Andrew in coaching.
"Like, look, I love Loz. I know that you do too. He's had a fantastic career as a player, but if you get Andrew and Matty Johns involved in the coaching staff, like wow, man. Come on. That's incredible."
This idea caught the attention of Hoffman, a former Blues and Melbourne Storm forward, who believes the Johns brothers bring significant value to the Origin level.
Hoffman pointed out Andrew Johns' past contributions to the Blues environment and his enduring enthusiasm for representative rugby.
"Joey was involved in Origin when I was playing, and yeah, he loves it. He lives and breathes it. And I do not doubt that he could," Hoffman remarked.
He also emphasized Matthew Johns' extensive background in coaching and player development, especially during Melbourne's ascent in the early 2000s.
"Matty Johns used to help out with a lot of skill stuff with the Storm in the early 2000s. So I spent a lot of time with Matty," he noted.