The Wests Tigers will continue the search for a new head coach, after the club confirmed today that Cameron Ciraldo would stay with the Panthers for the time being.
The 37-year-old has been the most attractive property in the coaching market for a couple of years now, having already pushed the Tigers back once before.
After breaking up with Michael Maguire three weeks ago, the Tigers had made Ciraldo their number one target, offering him a five-year contract, but the Panthers assistant was also coveted by other teams.
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But on Saturday evening, a brief statement on his website confirmed that the team’s recruitment had not been successful.
“The club has been contacted by Cameron Ciraldo and his management this afternoon and have informed the club that he is not in a position to accept the coaching role at this point in his career,” the statement read.
Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo. (Getty)
“Although we are disappointed, we respect his decision and will continue with the selection process to appoint the coach of our club.”
Ciraldo had been linked with other clubs, including the Bulldogs and Knights, although the latter still have a head coach, while the Warriors are also looking for a new hire.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf turned down an offer from the New Zealand club, while Bulldogs boss Phil Gould said the club had not even begun the search for permanent replacement for Trent Barrett.
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