Stuart's departure alerts English clubs

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ricky Stuart has negotiated a release from the last year of his contract as coach of Cronulla, leaving him free for a possible foray into Super League. Stuart also coached Australia until losing his job for his verbal attack on referee Ashley Klein the day after their defeat to New Zealand in the 2008 World Cup final.

His availability will be noted by such clubs as St Helens, Bradford and Huddersfield, as well as Leeds, where Brian McClennan has yet to confirm his intentions.

The England coach, Steve McNamara, has appointed a second Australian-based member to his staff, with Jeremy Hickmans becoming the physical performance analyst.