Craig Fitzgibbon ruled himself out of contention for the Newcastle head coaching role because he’s likely got another in his sights.

That’s according to NRL 360 host Paul Kent who told The Matty Johns Podcast that the former Sydney Roosters legend is “the next cab off the rank” when it comes to NRL coaches in waiting.

When the Knights announced that coach Nathan Brown would be leaving the club at the end of 2019, Fitzgibbon was immediately regarded as one of the top contenders, along with Adam O’Brien and Jason Ryles.

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“We’ve seen coaches in the past — Michael Maguire was one — where as soon as the next job’s available, he’s the guy that’s going to get it,” Kent said.

“I think Fitzy’s in that position at the moment. There are very good raps on what he did with the Blues this year.”

Fitzgibbon is an Illawarra junior who still lives on the South Coast in Austinmer and travels up for Roosters training sessions where he’s the defensive coach.

Kent believes that the St George Illawarra job would be Fitzgibbon’s dream role.

“Mary (Dragons coach Paul McGregor) is under increasing pressure and has to have a good season next year,” Kent said.

“Fitzy has only just shaken hands — he hasn’t signed the contract — but he shook hands with Nick Politis for a three-year extension.

“The Roosters will let him go for a head role, but I don’t think he’s interested in the Knights.

“He’s a bit like Craig Bellamy who was the next coach ready to go from an assistant into a head coaching role.

“Craig Bellamy actually knocked back Wests Tigers, went for the Canberra job, missed it to their eternal regret, but then took the Melbourne job.

“Craig Bellamy had the ability and strength to be able to knock back jobs and say I’m going to find the club that’s right for me. I remember at the time he was very vocal about making sure he got into the right club.”