NRL 2023: Frustrated Dragons fans voice frustration at fan forum

After a chaotic day within the club, Dragons hierarchy were forced to confront their frustrated fans at a pre-planned fan forum at the University of Wollongong.

A frustrated Dragons fan lamented the fact “we are even being ridiculed by Wests Tigers supporters” at a relatively uneventful fan forum on Tuesday night.

St George Illawarra hierarchy fronted Red-V members just hours after coach Anthony Griffin was sacked. Not that the fans seemed to care too much. It took the crowd about 30 minutes before Griffin was even mentioned.

Chief executive Ryan Webb, head of football Ben Haran and chairman Andrew Lancaster spoke to the 70 people at the University of Wollongong while about 500 people were registered to watch on via Zoom. Former Canberra, Warriors and Penrith head coach Matt Elliott hosted the event.

The trio fielded a range questions from the floor, many of whom were discouraged by the lack of success the Dragons have had on the field in recent months. Coaching, roster, the success of the club and even players being placed on flag poles were mentioned. Webb also said Jack Bird was reprimanded for his comments after he lashed out at fans last week.

The event was planned well before Griffin was axed about 12 hours earlier. Webb spoke about the success of the club off-field while Haran focused was around the club’s short and long-term roster.

The sacking of Griffin was a hot topic at a Dragons fan forum. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Surprisingly, the coaching situation did not dominate proceedings but it did still take up some of the 90 minute long question and answer session.

Griffin’s name was scarcely mentioned while the name of the leading replacement to take his job Jason Ryles was not used.

Haran said the club’s next coach would have a strong platform to achieve success.

“They get the opportunity to recruit the style of player they want,” Haran said. “We won’t rush in to make (recruitment) decisions. Even though it may seem frustrating that recruitment isn’t happening. There is an opportunity to build a roster in the coming years.”

Webb said Griffin had left the club with a “good base” which “hopefully the next person can build off”.

Lancaster also downplayed the boardroom tension between the St George and WIN sides of the partnership.

“We are aligned,” Lancaster said. “We want to win grand finals. We are two different shareholders. “We want to win. This is what we’re there for. There is no great divide between the two shareholders. The fact it gets mentioned in the media is not something we can control. We function well. We work together.”

The Contenders: Who will step into Dragons hot seat?

The Dragons finally bit the bullet and put an end to Anthony Griffin’s tumultuous two-and-a-half year tenure.

But who jumps into the hot seat?

We assess the contenders to take on one of the toughest jobs on the NRL next season.

JASON RYLES

Sydney Roosters assistant coach

Considered the frontrunner for the position. Has spent time with the Roosters, Melbourne and Eddie Jones at England rugby. Was once cautioned off the role but now has emerged as the leading candidate.

BEN HORNBY

South Sydney assistant coach

Has strong support from some on the board. Considered a slight outsider to Ryles. Captained the club to a 2010 premiership and has spent time working successfully at South Sydney under Wayne Bennett and now Jason Demetriou. Wants the job.

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

SHANE FLANAGAN

Manly assistant coach

Not seriously considered. Had an interest in joining the Dragons but the Cronulla Sharks premiership winning coach had a lack of support at board level from some. Never genuinely threw his name into the mix.

DEAN YOUNG

North Queensland assistant coach

Was once one of the leading candidates but seems to have fallen behind the Ryles/Hornby double. If for whatever reason the Dragons cannot come to terms with either of those two he could again come into play.

Could the Dragons be the right fit for Des Hasler? Picture: NCA Newswire

DES HASLER

Ex-Bulldogs, Sea Eagles coach. Manly premiership winner

Not in the mix. Is the most experienced coach on the open market and there was a push for some to have Hasler take over from Griffin before transitioning to the likes of Ryles or Hornby. That plan was short-lived.

MICHAEL CHEIKA

Argentina Rugby union and Lebanon rugby league head coach

No chance despite representatives from Cheika reaching out to the Dragons in recent weeks. Has a desire to coach in the NRL but that won’t be at the Dragons.