Blake Green could be on the verge of a shock retirement from rugby league to take up a coaching role.
Canterbury have asked their incoming journeyman five-eighth to reaffirm his commitment to playing at Belmore next season amid renewed speculation he may be offered a coaching position to remain at Newcastle.
Green, 34, signed a one-year deal with the Bulldogs in August, a week before suffering a serious knee injury that could keep him sidelined until May.
Despite both parties initially vowing to stand by the playing deal, Canterbury have since spoken to the playmaker about whether he still wanted to fulfil his playing commitment.
While refusing to comment publicly, the Bulldogs would almost certainly consider any request from Green for a release.
The two parties have had a conversation about his future, according to one well-placed source.
“Basically, Canterbury gently asked Blake to let them know if he had any doubts about coming to the club in 2021,” the source said. “Canterbury would allow Green to discuss his options with Newcastle.”
No decision would be reached without the significant input of incoming Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett, who will have about $2 million in salary cap space but limited spots to fill. Speculation surrounding Green comes as:
* Talk increases around the possibility that English giants St Helens could poach Knights forward Sione Mata’utia; and
* Canterbury admits making an informal approach to Cronulla six weeks ago about signing halfback Chad Townsend.
There are suggestions Green, who has long harboured a desire to pick up the clipboard, could be offered a coaching and development role with the Knights for next season. That would mean retiring from the NRL immediately.
Green is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in Newcastle’s round 15 match against North Queensland, a week after he signed with Canterbury.
There has been talk Green is weighing up the long and arduous recovery from knee surgery, preferring maybe to take the early opportunity to transition into coaching.
At the moment, Green is still contracted to Canterbury and is expected at pre-season training in three to four weeks, albeit unable
to train.
In announcing Green’s signing in August, Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said: “We feel that Blake will have a great impact on our squad next season, after undergoing a period of recovery around his current injury.”
If Green does an about-face, the departure of Kieran Foran to Manly would leave the Bulldogs with Brandon Wakeham, 21, and Lachlan Lewis, 24, as their only recognised contracted halves for next season. Although centre Jake Averillo, 20, has indicated a desire to play five-eighth.
While it’s believed they are interested in Penrith five-eighth Matt Burton, the Bulldogs did make an informal approach to Cronulla about Townsend, but talks haven’t progressed since.
Townsend still has another two years remaining on his current Sharks deal.
Sources in England claim St Helens have discussed signing Mata’utia, who has another season remaining on his Newcastle contract. Mata’utia played three Tests for Australia in 2014.
The Knights’ season ended with last weekend’s elimination final loss to South Sydney.
