Brad Arthur has sent a timely reminder of his ability to turn around rugby league clubs, with his revival of Leeds taking them to the top of the Super League table.
Less than 18 months after taking over at Headingley, Arthur's Rhinos are now ladder leading this late into a season for the first time since 2020.
Arthur missed out on the PNG Chiefs job last week, with Willie Peters instead winning the honour of being the expansion side's first NRL coach.
But the former Parramatta mentor is considered next in line for a return to the NRL, with his contract expiring at the end of 2026.
Whether that comes at Manly, after Anthony Seibold's axing, remains to be seen.
The topic of Seibold's replacement was discussed at a Manly board meeting last Wednesday, but the club is also keen to give interim mentor Kieran Foran time to impress.
Foran has impressed Manly officials with his maturity and made the loudest possible statement on Thursday night with a 52-18 flogging of the Dolphins.
Manly have St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Parramatta in the next month, giving Foran every chance to stake his claim.
Even if Manly go in another direction, Foran will be given the chance to coach out the year and will remain on the coaching staff in 2027.
Manly's management have made no secret of the fact they would prefer a coach with strong links to the club.
All eight of the Sea Eagles' premierships have come with a "Manly man" in charge.
Two-time Manly premiership winner Matt Ballin is considered the early favourite, with strong support from the club's old boys.
Ballin is believed to be keen on the role, with the 42-year-old currently on Michael Maguire's staff in Brisbane after a previous stint in Manly's coaching ranks.
Arthur looms as the other candidate.
He spent one year at Manly as an assistant in 2013, but was so well liked he later managed to lure Foran, Anthony Watmough and a host of Sea Eagles to Parramatta.
Arthur's record of turning around Parramatta could also remain in his favour, taking the club from cellar-dwellers to finalists and a spot in the decider in 2022.
Change was needed at the Eels by the time he left in 2024, but his year and a half at Leeds has only enhanced his chances of an NRL return.
Even if Arthur does miss out on the Manly job, he would likely remain a contender for any other NRL opening this year.
North Queensland coach Todd Payten started this season under immense pressure before back-to-back wins for the Cowboys in rounds three and four.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan also admitted this weekend he needed wins to keep his job.
