KEVIN MOORE didn't put just one hand up yesterday, he threw both in the air and declared himself ready to continue a family domination of the Bulldogs coaching job that dates back to 1990.
Moore said he was as ready as anyone to take on the coaching job, vacated by his brother-in-law Steve Folkes, and the club is poised to respond to his "pick me" urgings almost immediately, probably as early as Thursday.
Just hours after Folkes informed him and the Bulldogs squad that he was ending his 11-year reign that began when he succeeded another brother-in-law, Chris Anderson, in 1998, Moore claimed he had an apprentice CV to rival any head coach in the competition.
"Certainly I think I've had a tremendous apprenticeship under Chris Anderson and Steve Folkes," Moore told the Herald. "I've ticked all the boxes. I've won lower-grade premierships and I was assistant coach in 2004 [when the Bulldogs won the NRL grand final].
"I doubt there's a bloke who's taken on a head coaching role who's had a better preparation. For all those reasons, I believe I'm ready. The club's aware that I'm available and that I'm keen to put my hand up. I've been at the club for a long time and I believe I'm ready to step up."
While Daniel Anderson, Stephen Kearney and Mick Potter have all been linked to the post, the club is almost certain to appoint Moore, son of the Bulldogs' most famous official, the late Peter "Bullfrog" Moore.
Kevin Moore could be picked even before the players fly out to Auckland to contest their next game, a Sunday afternoon encounter with the Warriors.
Moore, who has won two Jersey Flegg grand finals and one first-division premiership since 1999, has remained silent as speculation grew in recent months that Folkes's 11-season reign at the Bulldogs would end.
He said yesterday, however: "I've always made it clear to Folkesy and the club that while he had the position I was 100 per cent supportive, and that I'd do everything to assist him. But he also understood that if he was to move on, he'd be 100 per cent behind me."
Moore discussed Folkes's decision with the former Bulldogs back-rower soon after he had informed the playing group early yesterday afternoon.
Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg, who denied Folkes had been pushed and insisted he would see out the season, said the search for a new coach began "about five minutes after Steve walked out of my office".
He told Dogs captain Andrew Ryan the club's leadership group, which also includes Sonny Bill Williams, Luke Patten, Daniel Holdsworth and Brad Morrin, would be consulted.
"They want to make the right choice, but they've got to get on top of things quickly," Ryan said. "[Off-contract] players would be looking to see who the coach is going to be."
Asked about Moore, Ryan said: "Kevin's been around the club for a long time and he's been an assistant at Origin level and with Australian sides."
Steve Mortimer, perhaps the club's greatest player and a former chief executive, urged the club to go further and ensure it signed a top-line player as well as the new coach. "Kevin Moore is certainly held in a high regard … but they really need another key player in a vital position as well," Mortimer said. "That's what the board needs to look at."
As part of the process, the club will consider other applicants. Potter is widely tipped to switch from Catalans to St Helens, replacing Anderson, while Kearney is Craig Bellamy's assistant in Melbourne and the new Kiwis coach.
Anderson's manager, Jim Banaghan, said: "We won't be sticking our hand up. We'll just wait and see what Canterbury do. The owner of the circus is the one who should pick out the ringmaster - anyone who puts their hands up are usually the clowns. We won't be one of the clowns."
Potter, who is due to meet Catalans officials to resolve his future this week, said: "Going back to Australia and coaching in the NRL is a goal of mine. There has been interest from a couple of clubs but my priority is to speak to Catalans first before making any decisions."
COACHING THE DOGS: IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR
PETER MOORE Takes over at Belmore in a boardroom coup in 1969. Moore and his wife Marie had nine children, including Lynne, Karen and Kevin.
CHRIS ANDERSON The winger was recruited by Moore and played 232 first-grade games. Married Lynne Moore. Coached the club from 1990-1997, winning a title in 1995.
STEVE FOLKES A premiership-winning back-rower, Folkes played 245 games for the club. He married Karen Moore. Folkes has coached the top grade since 1998 after taking over from brother-in-law Anderson.
KEVIN MOORE Played 37 first-grade matches from 1989-94 as halfback. Turned to coaching in 1999 and took the Dogs Jersey Flegg side to grand-final wins in '99 and 2000. Took over the Premier League side in 2001 and one year later had another title. Began assisting Folkes and celebrated another title in 2004. Set to be appointed as Folkes's successor on Thursday.
