ManlyBacker
Winging it
FORMER Wallabies defensive guru Phil Blake and two recent NRL coaches have emerged as possible candidates for the role of assistant to Geoff Toovey at the Sea Eagles.
The Manly Daily understands Blake, Tony Iro and Brad Arthur have been raised in discussions.
Michael Potter is another high profile identity believed to be in the mix.
The club is looking for a new assistant coach following the departure of Matt Parish, who has accepted a job with Ricky Stuart at Parramatta.
He remains favourite to take over from Tim Sheens at the Wests Tigers.
Former Sea Eagles tryscoring whiz Blake has established himself in recent years as a rugby coach on the international stage.
After a successful period with the Marlins, he earned a good reputation as Wallabies' defensive coach before losing his job in controversial circumstances after the World Cup.
This year he was with the Western Force Super Rugby team and could be in the running to be Waratahs assistant coach in 2013.
Ex-Manly player Iro took charge of the Warriors at the end of this season when Brian McClennan left suddenly.
Similarly, Arthur became Eels' caretaker coach late this year following the departure of Stephen Kearney.
Potter, a star fullback with the Bulldogs and Dragons, has coached Catalans Dragons, St Helens and Bradford in the English Super League.
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/blake-in-frame-for-eagles/
