Michael Cheika, currently an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters and head coach of the Lebanon rugby league team, plans to decide on his coaching future after the conclusion of the current NRL season. Cheika, who has previously led the Wallabies and Argentina in rugby union, has been linked to several prominent coaching roles, including a potential return to the Waratahs and an opportunity to lead St Helens in the Super League.
Cheika's name has been floated as a top candidate for the Waratahs head coach role after Dan McKellar resigned following two seasons without finals appearances. Despite interest from the Waratahs and a push from some players to bring him back—he previously coached the team to their first Super Rugby title in 2014—Cheika has stressed that he remains focused on his current role with the Roosters. He acknowledged the connection given the Waratahs' recent struggles but emphasized his commitment to the Roosters for the remainder of the NRL season.
“I can’t divert my attention away from what I’m doing now at the Roosters because you need all your energy going that way,” Cheika said. He has also noted the absence of guarantees regarding his future and plans to assess opportunities after completing both the NRL season and his role leading Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup in Sydney, starting October 15.
In addition to the Waratahs, Cheika has been mentioned as a potential successor at St Helens following the departure of Paul Rowley. Former St Helens captain Bobbie Goulding has been advocating for Cheika’s appointment. Cheika's broader ambitions in the NRL as a head coach have also drawn speculation linking him to clubs such as the Dragons, Eels, and Tigers.
Despite the various prospects, Cheika expressed a clear intent to aim for success with the Roosters first. “I want to win a competition with the Roosters and then we’ll see what happens around the NRL going forward,” he said. Reflecting on his first year in the league as an assistant and forwards specialist, Cheika praised his experiences working alongside head coach Trent Robinson and other staff, highlighting the learning opportunities involved.
Cheika remains committed to his role as Lebanon coach, preparing the team for their second Rugby League World Cup appearance. With Lebanon’s opening pool match scheduled against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 17, Cheika is optimistic about assembling a strong squad featuring a number of NRL players, including Mitchell Moses, Adam Doueihi, Jason Saab, and others. He also pointed to promising young talents involved in the campaign, underscoring the depth and potential within the Lebanon squad.
While Cheika continues to balance multiple coaching interests, his immediate focus remains on guiding the Roosters' push for an NRL title and leading Lebanon on the international stage later this year. Only after these commitments will he clarify the next steps in his coaching career.