Jason Ryles has knocked back Dragons to join Melbourne

A decision from Jason Ryles to knock back a job at St George Illawarra has made him the prime candidate to replace a coaching legend.

Jason Ryles looms as the man most likely to be the next coach of the Melbourne Storm after knocking back an offer from St George Illawarra. Picture: Matt King / Getty Images

Jason Ryles looms as the man most likely to be the next coach of the Melbourne Storm after knocking back an offer from St George Illawarra.

The Dragons had offered Ryles, currently an assistant to Trent Robinson at the Roosters, a four-year deal to replace sacked mentor Anthony Griffin.

But on Wednesday morning Ryles informed the Dragons he didn’t want the job before confirmation that he would join Storm from next season.

Craig Bellamy and Jason Ryles in 2020. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy recently committed to continuing on in 2024 and Ryles, who both played at and worked as an assistant coach at the Storm as recently as 2020, looks in the box seat to replace Bellamy from 2025 after signing a long-term deal.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I am very comfortable knowing I am returning to Storm and can’t wait to get back the club,” Ryles said.

“This was a decision I made with my family, and I know it will be best for my coaching growth and development. I have an enormous amount of respect for the Club and couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to work with Craig, Frank and the football department when it was presented.

“The opportunity to be involved with the senior coaching and playing group as well as playing a role in the future of the club through the pathways and junior reps program is very exciting.

“The Roosters have been a wonderful club to work at and I am grateful to them for the opportunity they have provided me over the last couple of seasons.” Ryles said.

Guess who's back in 2024⚡️

— Melbourne Storm (@storm) May 31, 2023

Ryles first joined Storm as a player in 2012 and played 47 games across two seasons, including a World Club Challenge win, before retiring at the end of the 2013 season.

He was a member of the Storm coaching staff in 2016 and helped Storm to a premiership success in 2017 and two other grand final appearances.

It’s understood Ryles will leave the Roosters with immediate effect before beginning with Storm next season.

South Sydney assistant Ben Hornby and North Queensland assistant Dean Young, both former Dragons players, are now candidates to fill the vacancy at the battling Dragons.

Originally published as Jason Ryles has knocked back Dragons to join Melbourne