Blues on lookout for new coach after Cross' Broncos switch

NSW are on the lookout for a new women's coach after Ben Cross resigned to link with Brisbane's NRL coaching staff.

The former NSW prop has headed north, relocating his family to Brisbane, to assist new Broncos coach Anthony Seibold.

Cross played his part to create history in helping to guide the NSW women's side to three interstate victories over the past three years, the most memorable the inaugural Holden State of Origin clash at North Sydney Oval in June, won by the Blues 16-10 in front of a record crowd.

When he was appointed NSW coach in 2016, taking over from former Dragons halfback Mat Head, Queensland held a 17-year dominance over the Blues in the women's arena.

"I went into the role unknown three years ago and tried to set some solid principles and groundwork to try and leave the side in a better place," Cross told NRL.com.

"I didn't mention to Anthony about whether I could continue with the women's side or not when I accepted the role, I just took it upon myself to not continue with it being my first assistant coach position.

"I just want to concentrate on the Broncos and being in Brisbane it would've been tough. The role is so in-depth now with the women's State of Origin side that I couldn't commit.

"I think the girls were yearning for discipline and structure from footy coaching and hopefully that's what I gave them. That's a testament to where these girls are taking their games."

Cross revealed the call from Seibold came out of the blue, with the pair knowing each other through former Maroons coach Michael Hagan and Roosters assistant Adam O'Brien. They had also crossed paths briefly at Melbourne's Old Boys' day festivities.

Cross was head coach of South Newcastle in 2018 and he was prepared to follow Seibold to South Sydney or Brisbane for the new opportunity.

"It totally snowballed over the last month," Cross said.

"It was a process but we got there, Anthony asked if I would move to Brisbane and I said absolutely. I've never lived here, I've always been an enemy of the state but we've got quite a few players heading down to the Emerging Blues this week so already feel I belong."

NSWRL general manager of football Barrie-Jon Mather thanked Cross for his services to the state.

"We're sorry to see Ben go and we wish him all the best for his new role at the Broncos," Mather said.

"Our search is continuing for a replacement and we hope to make an announcement following approval by the NSWRL board in the new year."