NRL 2023: Who will replace Anthony Griffin at St George Illawarra Dragons?

St George Illawarra has made a big call on Anthony Grifin, now details of a key meeting with the agent for his potential replacement can be revealed.

Anthony Griffin’s time at the Dragons may be over after a board meeting on Tuesday night. Picture: Getty Images.

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has been sacked and assistant Ryan Carr elevated to interim coach.

Earlier on Monday the club stepped up its search for Griffin’s long-term replacement by meeting with manager George Mimis, the agent of two of the leading candidates, Jason Ryles and Ben Hornby.

Anthony Griffin is set to come to an end. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne owner Matt Tripp said Ryles was as a leading candidate to replace Craig Bellamy at the Storm.

Bellamy has signed a 12-month extension but Ryles may be the Storm’s preferred option should Bellamy finally end his decorated career after next season.

Ryles and Billy Slater would be the potential top choices to be Melbourne’s next coach.

“If he sees out his contract at the Roosters, which he may do, I would certainly not dismiss Jason,” Tripp said.

“There is never going to be an absolute replacement for Craig because he is Craig Bellamy.

“Jason would be in the mix but he has some decisions to make over the coming weeks.

“If the decision is to stay on with the Roosters, well beyond that if Craig doesn’t coach on in 2025, we would certainly take a close look at him.”

Jason Ryles is in the frame to coach the Dragons, but could also be on the Storm’s list for when Craig Bellamy retires. Picture: Getty Images

Ryles may have a job by then because he has emerged as the leading option to replace Griffin at the end of the season. Hornby has support, too.

The Dragons also have experienced mentor Matt Elliott employed in a leadership role at the club and he could easily step into the hot seat.

One club insider insisted the club had to start showing some leadership at board level.

“The silence over ‘Hook’ at board level has been deafening,” they said..

Ben Hornby could be an option for St George Illawarra to take over as NRL head coach. Credit: NRL Images.

St George Illawarra CEO Ryan Webb, chairman Andrew Lancaster and head of football Ben Haran will ­address fans at an event for members on Tuesday night. Griffin was left off the list of speakers.

The option to allow Griffin to coach out the year was favoured at one point by club bosses but the Dragons’ sixth straight loss on Saturday night has changed that way of thinking.