NRL news: Dragons switch tactics in coach search after shock Jason Ryles rejection

St George Illawarra were blindsided by Jason Ryles’ decision to knock them back, and the club is ready to make a crucial change as it steps up its search for a new coach.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 19: Roosters assistant coach Jason Ryles looks on prior to the round 12 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on May 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Jason Ryles walked away from joining St George Illawarra with no guarantee he would be Craig Bellamy’s successor at the Storm as the Dragons prepare to alter their thinking of securing an untried coach.

St George Illawarra officials were blindsided on Wednesday morning when Ryles informed them he would not take up a four-year contract worth about $800,000 a season to become the club’s long-term coach.

While the Dragons baulked at offering Ryles a five-year contract and final say on key roles within the organisation they were happy to invest heavily in their former star prop and had guaranteed almost all of his expectations. The Dragons wanted to secure Ryles before locking in any additions with those at the club open to bringing in a prominent head of football.

Jason Ryles’ decision stunned the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

The Dragons will now shift their attention to securing a new coach. They already held discussions with Dean Young but former teammate Ben Hornby is yet to have any contact with the club. Hornby shares the same manager as Ryles and the failed talks with Ryles has left a sour taste in the mouth of some Dragons officials.

Originally they had planned to have an emerging coach lead the club post-Anthony Griffin. Now they will give serious thought to luring a proven mentor opening the door for the likes of John Morris, Michael Maguire or Shane Flanagan.

The Dragons had met Ryles as recently on Monday and left that get-together confident they had their man. Chief executive Ryan Webb received the bad news on Wednesday morning.

“It wasn’t the right time for him,” Webb said.

“We appreciate him being honest and rather find out now than in six months time that he didn’t feel comfortable. We will continue on our process with the other candidates and hopefully bring it to a head shortly.”

Current Cowboys assistant coach Dean Young is a target of the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

Ryles has opted to re-join former club Melbourne to work in a variety of roles next season with an eye on becoming Bellamy’s replacement should he step away within the next two seasons.

But there is no certainty that he will take over from Bellamy which leaves the door ajar for Queensland coach Billy Slater to pursue the job should he want.

While Ryles’ decision clearly makes him the front-runner for the position, Storm chairman Matt Tripp confirmed there was “no guarantee Ryles will be replacing Bellamy”.

“He is coming down as a key candidate,” Tripp said.

“I would have Craig for another five years but if he doesn’t, we are spoilt for choice with Jason and some of the other very good assistants in the club. He will be value add to the club so why wouldn’t we create a role for him.

“He liked what he heard. I think we now have a really good succession plan for Craig if and when he decides to give it up.”

Ryles’ time with the Roosters has ended immediately. It is understood Ryles joins the Storm for four years but will be free to leave after two seasons to pursue a head coaching job elsewhere. He will work in a variety of roles next season including pathways, recruitment and assistant coaching.

Ryles said he was “comfortable” with his move.

Jason Ryles has an eye on becoming Craig Bellamy’s replacement at the Storm. Picture: Getty Images

“This was a decision I made with my family, and I know it will be best for my coaching growth and development,” Ryles said.

“I have an enormous amount of respect for the club and couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to work with Craig (Bellamy), Frank (Ponissi) and the football department when it was presented.

“The opportunity to be involved with the senior coaching and playing group as well as playing a role in the future of the club through the pathways and junior reps program is very exciting.

“The Roosters have been a wonderful club to work at and I am grateful to them for the opportunity they have provided me over the last couple of seasons.”

The Dragons’ freeze on player recruitment and retention is expected to continue until they land a head coach.

CLUB GREAT’S WHACK FOR DRAGONS

By Dean Ritchie

St George Illawarra premiership-winning star Matt Cooper has taken a hefty swipe at his former club by claiming ex-teammate Jason Ryles had every right to reject a four-year coaching.

Ryles has knocked back the Dragons to join Melbourne Storm with a long-term plan to succeed incumbent Storm coach, Craig Bellamy.

Cooper took to Twitter to post: “Very disappointed we missed out on Jason! But can you really blame him the way things are at the club?”

Ryles and Cooper played together at the joint venture club between 2000 and 2008.

Cooper, a former NSW and Australian centre, has been a vocal critic of the club’s direction in recent years.

In March, Cooper said: “If Anthony Griffin is not the coach next year I’ll put my hand up to fix our below average outside back defence.”

Former Dragons centre Matt Cooper Matt Cooper has taken a hefty swipe at his former club.

And on April 25, Cooper posted: “Please take me seriously and give me the chance to coach our outside backs.”

Cooper also weighed in when just three players attended last year’s club presentation night.

“I can’t believe three players went to the #RedV awards night,” Cooper said.

“Actually I can. The club has no loyalty and honour anymore. That all stopped when Wayne Bennett left.”

HOW GOULD INFLUENCED RYLES TO REJECT DRAGONS

By David Riccio

During the process of making the decision, Ryles sought counsel from an array of influential figures in his life, including Bulldogs GM of football Phil Gould.

With his own insight from his chat with Ryles, Gould went on the record last week that he didn’t believe the former front-rower would take the Dragons job.

However, Ryles was leaning towards taking over the Dragons on Monday, before making the ultimate call to reject the deal on Tuesday night.

Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould. Picture: NRL Photos

The long-term Storm offer was too good to pass up, compared to that of an uncertain rebuild of the Dragons.

The news of Ryles rejecting the Dragons’ offer also made its way into both State of Origin camps.

Webb informed Queensland playmaker Ben Hunt that Ryles wouldn’t be the club’s next head coach.

Hunt’s reaction to where the club goes next will be pivotal to him staying at the Red V.