Brett Kimmorley has declared his interest in the vacant NSW Women's State of Origin coaching job and would have the Wests Tigers' blessing to juggle it with his NRLW duties.
The NSW Rugby League met last Thursday to begin the search for a new coach after Kylie Hilder stepped down earlier that week.
The Sky Blues lost the final two series of Hilder's three-year tenure, despite taking a 1-0 lead during the inaugural three-match series in 2024.
The follow-up Origin series is due to conclude on May 28 next year, just after the 12 NRLW clubs return to training for the new season that begins on July 3.
That has opened the door for Tigers mentor Kimmorley to put his hand up in the position, after former St George Illawarra coach Jamie Soward did the same while Hilder was still coach.
"It’s of some genuine interest," Kimmorley said on Thursday.
"The good part about it as well is that it wouldn’t have any impact with NRLW because State of Origin for the women’s program only takes up the first two weeks of pre-season.
"So I can do my role and I think it’d be a great opportunity to be part of that State of Origin program as well."
The NSWRL has yet to formally approach Kimmorley, but is likely to make a decision on the job before its office closes for the festive season on December 13.
The new women's coach could be announced on the same day the NSWRL reveals its new men's coach.
"The board, some time ago, embarked on a rigorous and structured process to determine the next NSW men's and now also the women's Origin coaches," the NSWRL said in a statement to AAP.
"That process is ongoing."
Last season's assistant coach Ruan Sims, Indigenous All Stars coach Jess Skinner and U19s mentor Kate Mullaly are among other candidates for the Sky Blues vacancy.
John Strange, Tony Herman and Steve Georgallis are all highly-regarded options currently holding down NRLW head coaching jobs.
Kimmorley's 10 Origin appearances could work in his favour, as could his experience mentoring members of the current NSW women's set-up.
The 48-year-old worked with the Sky Blues' halves this year, during both the seven-week boot camp that preceded Origin I and the series proper.
He also coaches NSW co-captain Kezie Apps and Sarah Togatuki, both stalwarts of the Sky Blues' forward pack, at club level.
"I obviously will back him if he gets the job," said Tigers second-rower Apps.
"He has come in a few times (to NSW camp) and the girls have learnt a lot from him, just his coaching ability, how he breaks things down really simple for them.
"When I've spoken to the girls about it afterwards, they've never been told things like that before. I really feel that he'll be able to develop the women's game at that level."
Kimmorley flagged his interest in the job with Tigers powerbrokers after Hilder's departure, and has been told he would be welcome to pursue it.
"From the club’s point of view, we’re fully supportive if 'Noddy' was approached," Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson said.
