The early frontrunner to be named the next St Helens head coach is reportedly no longer in the frame to succeed Paul Rowley.
South Sydney Rabbitohs assistant Ben Hornby had emerged as a primary target for the Saints as they ramped up their recruitment process for Rowley's long-term successor.
Rowley made the shock decision to step down as St Helens boss last week and the club have appointed Eamon O’Carroll as interim coach until the end of the season.
It was expected the Saints hierarchy would step up their pursuit of Hornby, but according to a report from Australian outlet CODE Sports, the 46-year-old has opted to withdraw from consideration as he enters negotiations over a new deal to stay on as Bunnies assistant.
It's also understood that Hornby is unwilling to relocate to England due to family reasons, despite the lure of the St Helens role. The former St George Illawarra Dragons star is deemed the natural successor to the legendary Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs.
Hornby was previously interviewed by Hull KR in their search for Willie Peters' replacement before they appointed Nathan Cayless.
With Hornby now out of the running to take over at the BrewDog Stadium, attention turns elsewhere and Ben Gardiner, who is Samoa head coach and Perth Bears assistant, is among the contenders.
Interim boss O’Carroll has already ruled himself out of the long-term picture after agreeing a move to Scarlets in rugby union at the end of the 2026 season.
Rowley’s former assistant Kurt Haggerty, who is currently head coach for Bradford Bulls, has also been linked to the Saints vacancy, where he admitted he was "flattered" by the speculation.
He said: “It’s funny, it’s flattering to be linked with them kind of jobs.
“I’ve had a couple of messages but that’s a big club, I’m at a big club now and I’m enjoying the journey here.”
