‘Have not met the club’s expectations’: Anthony Griffin punted after horror start to the year

The Dragons are looking for a new coach after the club sacked Anthony Griffin following months of speculation over his future.

The Dragons are looking for a new coach after the club parted ways with Anthony Griffin on Tuesday morning.

The Dragons have ended months of speculation by sacking coach Anthony Griffin effective immediately after the club’s poor start to the season.

Griffin’s future at St George Illawarra was a major talking point all year, with the club making it clear that the veteran coach was no certainty to retain the role in 2024.

Anthony Griffin has been sacked as Dragons coach after a poor start to the season.

The Dragons sit second last with just two wins from the opening 11 rounds, including six-straight losses that featured a humbling 42-22 defeat at the hands of the Cowboys in captain Ben Hunt’s 300th game.

This was Griffin’s third season in charge of the club, with the Dragons failing to play finals footy in his first two years.

“These decisions are never taken lightly and on behalf of the club I want to thank Anthony for all his hard work during his time at the Dragons,” Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said.

“Unfortunately, our performances over the first 10 games of this season have not met the club’s expectations, so it was decided he should finish up his duties this week.”

Former Dragon Jason Ryles is one of the leading candidates to replace Griffin in 2024. Picture: NRL Photos

Griffin’s departure opens the door for former Red V forward Jason Ryles to potentially take over next season, with the current Roosters assistant coach one of the favourites for the role.

Dragons assistant coach Ryan Carr will fill in as interim coach, starting with Friday’s game against the Roosters, with the board to scout for a long-term replacement.

Originally published as ‘Have not met the club’s expectations’: Anthony Griffin punted after horror start to the year