Linked with the Wigan job. Only a matter of time before he gets linked with Widnes.

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TONY REA may not be unemployed for long, with the unwanted Brumbies coach a leading contender to take over at glamour English rugby league outfit Wigan.
Rea was told his services wouldn't be required next year after the Brumbies slumped to their sixth loss in seven matches last weekend. However, Rea, who will be succeeded by World Cup-winning Springboks coach Jake White, remains highly regarded in league circles and is an outsider for the Penrith coaching job after Tim Sheens turned it down.

Wigan are on the lookout for a coach after Michael Maguire enacted a clause in his contract that allowed him to join South Sydney next season. Rea, a former North Sydney Bears hooker, made his name in the UK as a player, coach and then administrator at the London Broncos.

''He's a zero self-promoter but is one of the most adored coaches, commentators and thinkers in English rugby league,'' a source said.

''There's not a single club that wouldn't give their eye teeth to have him back. He has been discussed at [league] clubs here and abroad.

''[Warriors chairman] Ian Lenagan holds him in the highest regard.''
Rea has worked with the Brumbies for the past three years but was given the head coaching position after only Andy Friend was fired two games into the 2011 season.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, giant French clubs Toulouse and Toulon are set to duel it out for the signature of Joe Rokocoko. The All Blacks winger comes off contract at the end of the World Cup and looks highly likely to be heading overseas later in the year, although the NZRU and the Blues are sure to want to fight to keep a player of his quality. Toulouse are in the market for a big-name winger to go alongside their other big overseas recruits for next season, Luke McAlister from the Blues and Luke Burgess from the Waratahs. Toulon are now expected to step up their interest in Rokocoko because former All Black Rudi Wulf is set to head back to New Zealand for family reasons.

rlhttp://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/rea-may-go-back-to-league-at-wigan-20110430-1e20r.htmlrl

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I have to say an appointment like him would not thrill me whatsoever.

When he was at the broncos, he always seemed to turn warrington over. You sure you don't want him?

I'd be amazed if Tony Rea got a SL job let alone the Wigan one. Can't see Widnes being after him, if we don't keep Betts I'd expect we'll get Noble unless someone gets sacked between now and the end of the season.

Rea is one of those who becomes a better coach in peoples eyes the longer they are out of the game! Never thought he was too bad, but just ok really. Maybe could do a job here but be very surprised if ended up at Wigan.

Not for me, speaks a good game though.

Noble for Widnes I think.

Noble for Fax from the looks of things.

until October anyway

you worry too much my good man, we are The Mighty Vikings! all this eness is just part of King Bjorn O'Connorsviks (may Thor bless his name! ) grand plan to lure the effete tribes of superleague into a false sense of security and take their lands with his vast horde of stout viking warriors!

Any coach should know and be involved in recruitment. Bennett doing Newcastle's recruitment now etc.

Noble only gona help Calland at Fax for the rest of the season.....nothing stop him recruiting for you lot - if he gets the job for next season that is.

FWIW I think Betts will be our coach and I expect he will already be having an input in our recruitment

No-one likes a smart but I did call it