Dean Pay has spoken for the first time of his desire to take over from Des Hasler at Canterbury, declaring "it's a club that's close to my heart".

Pay, currently an assistant to Ricky Stuart at Canberra, is considered the frontrunner for the vacant job. The former NSW and Australian forward spent five seasons at Belmore as a player, including as a member of the 1995 premiership-winning side.

Canberra Raiders assistant coach Dean Pay has expressed interest in taking over from Des Hasler. Credit:Tom Logan/Raiders Media

The 48-year-old has completed a long apprenticeship as an assistant coach, including a stint under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, and has overseen a successful period for the NSW under-20s in the State of Origin arena.

Pay, who has been interviewed for the head coaching role at Warrington, believes he is ready to take the step up as a head coach at his former club.