Michael Cheika is reportedly set to return to the NSW Waratahs, ending his pursuit of an NRL head-coaching role. According to RugbyPass, the former Wallabies coach is expected to take charge after leading Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup.
Nothing has been officially confirmed. But the report says Cheika is understood to be close to a one-year contract with an option for a second season in his favour.
Michael Cheika’s NSW Waratahs return would revive a title-winning link
Cheika’s first spell with the Waratahs ran from 2012 to 2015. He led the side to the 2014 Super Rugby title before moving into the Wallabies role full-time, having held both jobs for 12 months.
It has been 11 years since he left the Sydney club. The Waratahs have reached only one semi-final in that time, and they finished eighth from 11 teams last season after losing nine of 14 matches.
The club has already brought back Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps, Cheika’s half-back pairing from the 2014 title-winning team. Both return from Japan, where they played for Kubota Spears and the Green Rockets.
Contract and coaching staff reported for Cheika
The reported deal could leave Cheika free to take another job after the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. RugbyPass also reports that Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu are widely expected to join his coaching group. Hoiles is coaching in the United States, while Palu is coaching in Japan.
Cheika has spent this season as an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters on a one-year deal after returning to Australia from Leicester Tigers. His prospective switch back to union would follow a period in the other code; readers can explore the broader differences between rugby league and union.
The Waratahs reportedly turned to Cheika after approaches to other candidates were rejected. Joe Schmidt had been a target before becoming a coach development adviser at Ulster, while Scott Robertson and Scott Wisemantel are also believed to have declined.
For the Waratahs, the appeal is obvious: a coach who has already delivered their biggest modern prize may be heading back to Sydney.
