- move that has sent shockwaves through the Australian sporting community, Craig McRae, the highly respected head coach of the Collingwood Football Club, has announced his decision to step down from his role and sign a groundbreaking deal with the Parramatta Eels, marking one of the most unexpected cross-code transitions in modern Australian sport. McRae, who only recently led Collingwood to a triumphant AFL Premiership in 2023, will be taking his elite coaching expertise to the NRL — a move that many did not see coming.
This decision, both surprising and controversial, ends a storied chapter at Collingwood and opens a bold new frontier in McRae’s already remarkable career. This article dives deep into the context of his departure, the motivations behind the switch, reactions from both AFL and NRL communities, and what this means for both Collingwood and the Parramatta Eels moving forward.
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From Glory to Goodbye: McRae’s Collingwood Legacy
Craig McRae’s time at Collingwood has been nothing short of transformative. Appointed as senior coach in 2021, McRae inherited a team that was coming off a tumultuous season and facing internal challenges. With his calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and player-first approach, McRae revitalized the club, establishing a culture built on trust, accountability, and relentless optimism.
Under his leadership, Collingwood not only returned to the finals in 2022 but also captured the hearts of AFL fans with their thrilling, close-fought victories. The pinnacle came in 2023 when McRae guided the Magpies to their first Premiership in over a decade — a season many describe as one of the most compelling in modern AFL history.
The outpouring of emotion from fans and players alike after that Grand Final win highlighted McRae’s profound impact on the club. So, when news broke that he had decided to leave, the AFL world was left in disbelief.
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The Parramatta Eels Move: A Bold New Chapter
What makes McRae’s decision even more surprising is the nature of his next destination — not another AFL club or a media role, but the head coaching position at the Parramatta Eels, a team steeped in NRL tradition but starved of consistent success in recent years.
The Eels, based in Sydney’s western suburbs, have long been considered one of the NRL’s sleeping giants. While boasting a passionate fanbase and rich history, they have struggled to convert promise into Premierships, their last title dating back to 1986. McRae’s appointment represents a bold and unconventional strategy by the club’s board to shake off decades of underachievement.
Sources close to both camps suggest that the Eels had been in quiet discussions with McRae for several months. Club CEO Jim Sarantinos was reportedly instrumental in orchestrating the move, believing McRae’s experience in building culture and fostering player development could be the missing ingredient for success.
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Why McRae Made the Switch
In a statement released through both clubs, McRae explained his reasoning:
> “This was not a decision I made lightly. I love Collingwood — the players, the staff, the fans — and I’ll always be grateful for everything we achieved together. But I’m also a person who thrives on challenge, and the opportunity to take my coaching philosophy into a new environment, a new code, is incredibly exciting. The Eels offered me something unique — the chance to help reshape a club with enormous potential. I felt it was the right time for a new adventure.”
Behind the scenes, insiders say McRae had grown increasingly fascinated by the dynamics of rugby league, attending NRL training sessions during the offseason and studying the parallels between the two codes. He reportedly met with several prominent rugby league coaches, including Craig Bellamy and Trent Robinson, to better understand the demands of the sport.
There were also personal factors. With his wife hailing from Sydney and extended family based in New South Wales, the move offers a chance for a more balanced lifestyle and stronger family support network.
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Reaction Across the Sporting World
The reactions have been as varied as they have been intense. Within AFL circles, McRae’s departure has been met with a mix of disappointment, respect, and shock.
Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury, speaking on SEN Radio, expressed his surprise:
> “We knew Fly was a unique thinker, but I don’t think anyone saw this coming. That said, he’s always been about growth, about pushing boundaries. We’re sad to see him go but proud of everything he’s done.”
Collingwood president Jeff Browne thanked McRae in a heartfelt press conference, acknowledging the coach’s “profound and lasting impact” on the club. “Craig leaves with our full support and deepest gratitude. He led us through one of our most successful and exciting periods. We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”
In NRL circles, reactions were equally intense — though tinged with curiosity. Former Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh described the move as “a massive gamble but a potentially genius move,” noting that McRae’s success would hinge on his ability to quickly adapt to the tactical and physical demands of league.
Some critics have questioned whether a coach from an entirely different code can succeed at the elite level of the NRL. Others, however, see the cross-pollination of ideas as exactly what the game needs.
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The Coaching Transition and Eels’ Future
McRae is expected to assume his full-time duties at Parramatta in the upcoming pre-season, with interim arrangements already in place to ensure a smooth transition. The club is reportedly working to pair him with a strong support staff, including NRL-experienced assistants who can help with technical aspects of the game while McRae brings his broader leadership and motivational strategies.
The Eels’ playing group has reportedly responded positively to the news. Star halfback Mitchell Moses was among the first to welcome McRae, posting on social media:
> “Looking forward to learning from a Premiership-winning coach. Big things ahead.”
The Eels’ board hopes that McRae will not only deliver results on the field but also instill a winning culture across all levels of the club — from juniors to the senior side.
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Who Will Replace McRae at Collingwood?
Attention now turns to who will step into the sizeable void left at Collingwood. Assistant coach Brendon Bolton, a long-time friend and collaborator of McRae’s, is considered the frontrunner. Others in the mix include Justin Leppitsch, who also served on McRae’s staff, and external candidates like Adam Kingsley and Don Pyke.
Whoever is chosen will inherit a talented squad and a high-performance environment but will also be under pressure to maintain the high standards set over the past few seasons. The Magpies are expected to conduct a comprehensive search, with a final decision likely to be made before the start of the AFL Draft.
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What This Means for the AFL and NRL Landscape
McRae’s move is more than just a headline; it may mark the beginning of a trend. In recent years, we’ve seen increased collaboration and cross-code influence between AFL and NRL — from player transfers to sports science. But rarely has a coach at the peak of their powers made such a dramatic leap.
His switch could open the door for more intellectual exchange between codes. Already, there’s speculation that other AFL coaches may be inspired by McRae’s bold move, potentially exploring roles in rugby league, soccer, or even international coaching.
For the NRL, McRae’s arrival brings new attention and fresh ideas. If successful, it could spark a broader reevaluation of coaching pathways and talent acquisition strategies.
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Final Thoughts: A Risk Worth Taking?
Craig McRae’s legacy at Collingwood is secure. He took a struggling club and turned it into a powerhouse, all while winning the admiration of fans, players, and peers. But now, he embarks on a journey that could either solidify his reputation as one of the great sporting minds of his generation — or serve as a cautionary tale about overreaching.
Only time will tell whether this move to the Parramatta Eels proves to be a masterstroke. But one thing is certain: Craig McRae has never been one to shy away from a challenge. And in this bold leap across codes, he may just change the face of Australian coaching forever.
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