The Wests Tigers’ hunt for a new head coach in the NRLW has taken an intriguing turn, with St Helens Women’s joint head coach Derek Hardman officially throwing his hat into the ring. Reports from Australia suggest Hardman is now among the frontrunners to replace Brett Kimmorley in 2026, a development that could mark a major shift in both his career and the Tigers’ trajectory.
Earlier this month, Kimmorley confirmed that he will step down at the end of the current campaign, closing a chapter that began with the Tigers’ entry into the NRLW in 2023. His decision has opened the door to a fresh era for the club, which is in desperate need of new leadership after a turbulent season.
For Hardman, the opportunity represents the chance to take his already decorated career onto the international stage. Having spent more than a decade with St Helens, where he has worked across both women’s and youth programs, the English coach is now eyeing a bold move Down Under.
A Proven Winner in England
Hardman’s résumé is nothing short of impressive. He masterminded St Helens Women’s historic treble in 2021, securing the Challenge Cup, Super League title, and the League Leaders’ Shield in a single season. That feat alone etched his name into the history books of the women’s game, highlighting both his tactical acumen and his ability to inspire a squad to peak performance across multiple competitions.
But his success has not been confined to the women’s side of the game. With the men’s reserves, Hardman has delivered back-to-back Grand Final appearances, culminating in a title triumph over rivals Wigan Warriors last year. This versatility—thriving in both the women’s and men’s pathways—gives him a breadth of experience few candidates can match.
It is this track record of sustained achievement, spanning different squads and formats, that has placed Hardman firmly on the Tigers’ radar.
Tigers Searching for a New Direction
The timing of the Tigers’ coaching transition is critical. The club sits bottom of the NRLW ladder with just one win from ten outings this season, an alarming record that underscores the size of the rebuild awaiting the next head coach.
The Tigers’ struggles have gone beyond results. The team has lacked cohesion, consistency, and confidence—issues that require not just tactical adjustments but also cultural change. Appointing someone like Hardman, who has proven he can build winning environments, could be the spark needed to reverse the club’s fortunes.
According to reports from Zero Tackle, Hardman has already submitted his application, signaling both his intent and belief that he is ready to take on one of the NRLW’s most challenging assignments. His candidacy now strengthens the pool of names being considered, with insiders tipping him as one of the leading contenders.
International Pedigree
Beyond his club accomplishments, Hardman has also contributed at the international level, working with England. That exposure to top-tier competition on the representative stage adds another layer to his credentials.
In the high-pressure world of the NRLW, where coaches are expected to develop players while delivering results, this mix of domestic dominance and international involvement makes Hardman an attractive proposition. His ability to adapt to different environments and still achieve success demonstrates a flexibility that could prove vital in Sydney’s demanding sporting landscape.
Who Else Is in the Mix?
The Tigers’ current coaching set-up features several notable assistants, including Charmain Steventon, Mitchell Sargent, Shane Richardson, Shannon Gallant, and rugby league legend Greg Inglis. While Inglis remains a high-profile figure in the game, he is not expected to put his name forward for the top job.
That leaves the Tigers’ hierarchy with a choice between elevating from within or seeking external expertise. Hardman’s application, therefore, provides a compelling external option—someone with a proven track record of success but also fresh ideas from outside the immediate NRLW bubble.
A Defining Career Move
Should Hardman be appointed, it would mark his first venture into the NRLW, a leap into one of the most competitive rugby league landscapes in the world. For the Tigers, it would represent a gamble on international coaching talent, but one that comes with the upside of importing a winning mentality.
For Hardman himself, the move would be transformative. After years of building his reputation in England, the chance to test his abilities in Australia could define the next phase of his career. Few coaches are offered the opportunity to shape a struggling club into contenders on the opposite side of the globe.
With the Tigers craving a reset and Hardman ready for a fresh challenge, the potential partnership feels like a natural fit. The decision now rests with the club’s leadership—whether to take the safe option of familiarity or embrace the bold choice of a coach with proven success abroad.
One thing is clear: the next chapter of Derek Hardman’s career may be written thousands of miles from where his legend began. And if his track record is any indication, success could follow him to Sydney.
