What’s the Buzz: Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris under pressure to stay in charge
Cronulla coach John Morris will return from holidays to face the music, with his future at the Sharks far from certain.
NRL
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The coaching future of John Morris at the Cronulla Sharks is uncertain.
Despite making the finals for the past two years, the club is baulking at extending his contract.
There is talk that outside of Kiwi superstar Shaun Johnson, Morris is lacking solid support from the playing group.
He will return from holidays in two weeks to face a football department review on the Sharks season. Morris’ agent approached the club earlier this year asking for an extension. It was rejected.
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He is under contract until the end of next year but is no certainty to see it out. It will depend on how he performs in the review.
The club has not even ruled out making a change before the start of next season. The fact he is on only $350,000 makes a payout option less of a burden on finances.
Some may see it as harsh on Morris. He inherited Shane Flanagan’s old roster with the likes of Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan on huge money. He lost Bronson Xerri and Josh Morris earlier this year and has had Andrew Fifita playing on one leg all year.
However, the Sharks have two genuine options if they decide to look in a new direction.
Axed Cowboys coach Paul Green, a former Sharks halfback, has his supporters. There is also a big wrap on Penrith assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo, who is a Cronulla junior.
The Sharks are facing a crucial 12 months. They will have big cap money available with Moylan, Dugan and others coming off contract to free up $3 million.
It makes the choice of coach critical for attracting new players.
At this stage no big names will commit to the club, not knowing who will be the head coach.
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Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris under pressure to stay in charge