NRL 2021: John Morris ready to coach again after bitter split with Cronulla Sharks

Former Sharks coach John Morris has opened up on his bitter split with Cronulla, why South Sydney will suit his style next season and his head coaching ambitions.

Former Sharks coach John Morris will join the coaching staff at South Sydney next season. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

John Morris is ready to coach again. Not that he felt he needed a break during his dramatic split with the Sharks earlier this year.

Only away from the game for a few months, Morris is eager to jump straight back in after being appointed Jason Demetriou’s assistant coach at South Sydney from next season.

It is his first job since being axed by the Sharks just five rounds into the season, despite making successive finals appearances in his first two years.

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“It was a very tough thing to go through and process, especially happening so early in the year after coming off a fantastic pre-season and a promising start to the season,” Morris said. “Given how long I was a part of the club, it was very hard to take for myself and my family. What was really good, though, and has helped me stay in good spirits, was the overwhelming support I received.

John Morris was sacked by the Sharks earlier this year. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“Not only from many Sharks fans and members but also the wider rugby league community. It certainly made me realise I can be proud for what I achieved at the Sharks. Considering the challenges we had to manage, I believe I left the club in better shape than when I started.

“I didn’t feel like I needed a break from the game, however the time off with family has certainly been a blessing and has allowed me to gain a better perspective on football and life.

“I know I will be a better person and coach for having gone through this.

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“I was keen to get back into coaching and not sit around waiting. I didn’t want to be an unemployed coach out of the game too long, especially with how the modern game is changing with the new rules”.

Demetriou was one of the first people to reach out when Morris lost his job. Demetriou wanted Morris to join the rookie coach on his staff alongside Ben Hornby, as Demetriou steps into the hot seat to replace Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs.

“Jason reaching out to me early in the piece meant a lot to me,” Morris said. “I went to his house and thought I’d be there for about 30 minutes but I stayed for nearly three hours. It was clear to me early in the piece that South Sydney was where I wanted to be.”

Despite attracting interest from a number of NRL and Super League clubs, Morris was drawn to the Rabbitohs. Part of South Sydney’s attraction to Morris was how he brought in a host of youngsters during his time at the Sharks, many who have been retained long-term at the club.

John Morris is looking forward to joining the coaching staff at South Sydney next season. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

“It’s a great opportunity to go to a really well run and professional club with a smart, young coach,” Morris said. “They have a wonderful playing squad and have a whole heap of exciting youngsters coming through.

“Jason has a great vision for the club. We share very similar values and coaching philosophies and think we can work well together.”

Morris said he still had ambitions to return as a head coach when the time was right.

“There is no rush around that,” Morris said. “I see myself being a head coach again somewhere down the line.

“Head coaching is not for everyone but I am only 40, with two years of NRL coaching and a couple of finals appearances under my belt.

“I know I can do it when the time and opportunity is right. However, my No.1 focus at the moment is getting going again and supporting Jason as best as I can at the Rabbitohs for the next couple of years.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: John Morris ready to coach again after bitter split with Cronulla Sharks