LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
As the Wests Tigers search for a new NRLW head coach intensifies, a multi-title winner from England has officially applied for the position.
Sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have informed Zero Tackle that Derek Hardman, the head coach of the St Helens RLFC Super League women's team, has submitted his application for the vacant 2026 Wests Tigers NRLW head coaching role.
Hardman, who serves as an assistant coach for England's national team, boasts multiple league titles with St Helens, including a historic treble-in the League, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders Shield-in 2021.
As a proven winner deeply committed to the women's game, Hardman's credentials are impressive. He seems well-positioned to help improve the Tigers' current standing at the bottom of the ladder.
Zero Tackle has learned that the Tigers consider him a strong candidate to take over for Kimmorley, with the potential for him to be effectively supported by the existing Wests Tigers coaching staff, which includes Charmain Steventon, Mitchell Sargent, Shane Richardson, and Shannon Gallant.
This update comes as Richardson has confirmed that NRLW assistant coach Greg Inglis will not be in contention for the position.