NRL: Elliott steps down as Panthers coach

Former Penrith coach Matt Elliott. Photo / Getty Images

Penrith coach Matt Elliott has stepped down from his role at the NRL club, with assistant Steve Georgallis to take over for the rest of this season.

Elliott was already poised to leave the club at the end of the season, having been told his contract would not be renewed in 2012.

But the club announced on Monday that Elliott and assistant Wayne Collins had agreed to stand aside immediately.

The Panthers' newly appointed general manager of rugby league Phil Gould said the club felt it was time to start looking toward the future.

"The decision was made by the board some time ago that Matt Elliott's coaching contract wouldn't be renewed and we just agreed this was a good chance for Steve to take the side through the rest of the season," Gould told Fox Sports News.

Asked if it would be an opportunity for Georgallis to stake his claim for the permanent coaching role from next season, Gould said: "I'm sure he sees it that way and I hope the rest of the playing group sees it that way."

The Panthers announced in April 44-year-old Elliott's contract would not be renewed in 2012 despite him guiding them to second place in the regular season in 2010.

After winning only two of their opening seven games this season, they improved their form but sit 10th after Saturday night's loss to Newcastle.

Former Canberra coach Elliott had previously said he intended to see out the season with the club.

- AAP