In a twist to the coaching merry-go round, Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens was sounded out last week by Canberra sponsors about returning to the nation's capital.

While Sheens is said to have turned down the offer in an informal discussion, increasing the likelihood he will sign an extension with the Tigers, Raiders management refused to rule out signing any high-profile coaches in their quest to find a replacement for Matthew Elliott.

"A couple of sponsors had lunch with Tim and he said he had served his time in Canberra," said Raiders chairman John McIntyre.

"Tim had nine wonderful years here and we would not begrudge him for not wanting to come back."

But Raiders chief executive Simon Hawkins, who is heading the search for a new head coach, would not rule out any off-contract coaches and said he had received plenty of applications since Elliott signed with Penrith.

"We have had a fairly large response," said Hawkins.

"I am not getting involved in responding to names through the media though.

"We are just looking to get a good result for the club and we will play our cards pretty close to our chest."

After having coach Elliott snapped from under their noses by Penrith last week, Hawkins denied there was any urgency to hurry their own recruitment process.

"There's no urgency, the sooner the better but no urgency," he said.

"We are just looking forward to having the process completed and to have the right person rather than getting someone quickly.

"If we can do both, that is a bonus."

Meanwhile Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce remains adamant Sheens will remain at the club beyond this season.

"I think Tim is the best signing this club has made," said Noyce.

"It is an unusual set of circumstances with coaches at the moment but everyone needs to make sure they make the right decision. If that takes a couple of days extra then so be it.

"It is the most important position in the club."

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