There are two types of coaches, the mantra goes: those who have been sacked or those waiting to be sacked. But the most volatile profession of them all has enjoyed a period of unprecedented stability, with this season likely to mark the first time in more than a decade a clipboard holder hasn't been punted mid-season.
According to the font of all NRL knowledge, David Middleton, of League Information Services, this is shaping as the first time since 2005 that the 16 coaches who began the season will finish the season. That previous period of relative stability ended when Brian Smith, after a decade in charge of Parramatta, finally parted company with the club nine games into the 2006 season, to be replaced by Jason Taylor.
Several NRL coaches started the year under immense pressure, but it's possible all could survive into 2017. Many predicted Neil Henry would be the first to go, but "King" will be a contender for coach of the year honours if the unfancied Gold Coast scrape into the eight.
Taylor's stoush with Robbie Farah also made him an easy target, but his stance could be vindicated with a strong finish to the year by the Tigers. Warriors boss Jim Doyle is craving stability, while Nathan Brown won't be judged too harshly because he simply doesn't have the cattle at Newcastle.
Former Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is the man most likely to get a gig when one becomes available, but he may have to bide his time for a tad longer.
Sanctions stand
The old Parramatta regime didn't die wondering when trying to mitigate the sanctions imposed upon them for salary cap rorting. In their response to the NRL's breach notice, officials argued that the $465,000 fine they copped for "technical" cap breaches in 2015 should be offset against the $1 million fine imposed for systematic rorting of the system.
The club also submitted it should keep its Auckland Nines prizemoney, or that the governing body only reclaim the amount "commensurate to the share of participating players mentioned in the breach notice".
The NRL would have none of it and ruled its original sanctions would stand.
Ennis Sharks role
Michael Ennis shocked the league world when he announced this season would be his last, but he won't be lost to Cronulla altogether. The Sharks are keen to provide the hooker with an off-field gig of some description, whether it be coaching, marketing or related to game-day promotions. Officials will sit down with Ennis at the appropriate time to discuss a role that fits in with his Fox Sports commitments.
Robinson's 100
Trent Robinson marked a significant milestone, his 100th game in charge of the Roosters, with a victory on Thursday night. The coach and the club didn't publicise the event in the lead-up to the match, with Robinson keen not to make the build-up about him. There were warm congratulations in the sheds afterwards when the players were made aware of the mark.
Bunker pressure
The pressure on referees boss Tony Archer is growing after he defended the bunker's indefensible decision to rob Brisbane rookie Herman Ese'ese of a try. The men in the video referees box overturned the on-field referee's decision, making them the only people in the universe who believe a try should not have been awarded.
Archer's decision not to call it for what it was – the biggest balls-up of the season – has heaped more pressure on the bunker, when the issue is the interpretation of the rules and a lack of feel for the game, rather than with the technology itself.
Those inside and outside Rugby League Central are concerned about Archer's stance.
Under scrutiny: Referees boss Tony Archer's stance on the latest bunker controversy has concerned those involved with the game. Photo: Getty Images
Manly united
The Sea Eagles have just signed a partnership with the Manly Warringah District Cricket Club that will see the summer and winter sports combine forces on the northern peninsula.
Under the arrangement, the Sea Eagles will sponsor Test spinner Stephen O'Keefe and share ideas around networking and performance.
"We've been involved with the Eagles in the past, but we've let it slip, so we'll now have a close relationship again," said the cricket club's president, Andrew Fraser.
"It's good for sporting bodies to get together and complement each other."
Former Sea Eagles star Phil Blake was a grade cricketer of some note with the club and Jake Trbojevic also played junior cricket reps before turning his attention to footy.
Bulldogs offer support
Canterbury players Curtis Rona and Sam Kasiano have visited the parents of the baby who died after being given doses of nitrogen gas rather than oxygen in a fatal error at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.
When the players heard about the tragedy, they were keen to provide comfort to the family, who are Bulldogs fans. The pair made the trip on Saturday afternoon, just a day after the bruising win against the Dragons.
Showing support: Canterbury Bulldogs players Curtis Rona and Sam Kasiano have visited the parents of the baby who died after being given nitrogen gas instead of oxygen.
Agent in need
Which NRL agent is furiously trying to secure long-term deals for his star clients? The six-and-a-half percenter is concerned he could lose his accreditation for his role in Parramatta's salary cap scandal and is trying to secure an earn in case he gets struck off.
Sea Eagles sponsors
The Sea Eagles are locked in a bitter courtroom battle with their major sponsor, Coco Joy, but some of their backers have shown plenty of loyalty. URM celebrated 20 years of sponsorship by taking pride of place on the front of Manly's jerseys for Retro Round.
"My decision to support the Sea Eagles was made on the basis that I thought losing the Sea Eagles would be a huge loss to the northern beaches," said URM boss Anthony Johnston, whose daughter has also been one of the mascots.
"I have never regretted making the decision and I am pleased that the Sea Eagles have prospered over the past two decades."
Partnership: URM boss Anthony Johnston with Daly Cherry Evans and Nathan Green.
