Anthony Griffin’s time as Dragons coach is up and reports say he will soon be replaced by Roosters assistant Jason Ryles.
The Dragons started considering coaching options as early as March and told Griffin that if he wanted to keep his post, he would have to reapply and go through the hiring process again.
The Dragons are Trying to Get Ahead for Next Year
Griffin hasn’t been able to get the Dragons going, and they are the only team yet to win an away game.
The Dragons are on a six-game losing run and are currently 16th in the NRL standings.
Danny Weidler from 9News reported that the sacking would be made official on Tuesday and that barring a sudden U-turn by the board, it is widely expected that Griffin would no longer coach the Dragons.
Weidler said that by sacking Griffin now the Dragons were trying to “get ahead for next year” and start the recruitment process early.
Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield claimed that well-informed sources told him it was over for Griffin and that Jason Ryles’ manager was contacted by St George officials to discuss his potential move.
Ben Hornby and Michael Cheika are also in the Mix
Ryles is the favourite to take over from Griffin, but Ben Hornby’s name is also mentioned.
The Rabbitohs assistant is thought to be another strong candidate for the job, especially as he captained the Dragons and won a premiership with them.
Michael Cheika has also been mentioned as a candidate for the Dragons job.
According to Rothfield, though, when the Dragons were approached by Cheika’s representatives, they told them they weren’t interested in his services.
Rothfield said he expected to find out who will take the Dragons’ hot seat by the end of the week.
For now, all signs pointed to a two-horse race in which Ryles and Hornby were the front runners.
