John Morris has the time to watch his kids play footy after being sacked by Cronulla
It has been a tough week for sacked Cronulla coach John Morris but after some dark days he had reason to smile on Saturday morning.
Sharks
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sharks. Followed categories will be added to My News.
John Morris is already experiencing one big positive from his sacking as coach of the Cronulla Sharks — he can watch his boys playing junior rugby league on a Saturday morning.
It’s something a 70-hour-a-week NRL head coach, who is often travelling with the team, can’t always do.
The Morris boys Cruz, 10 and Taj, 8, play for Cronulla-Caringbah and the Gymea Gorillas in Sharks juniors.
They are also ball boys for the NRL team but haven’t decided if they will go back, following their dad’s sacking.
It is so nice to get some time back with my family,” Morris said, “I can get to the boys’ training and their games on Saturday mornings.
“You sometimes miss out on these things when you’re away with the team. It’s going to be nice.”
On Friday Morris also took his family to Raging Waters wave park in Sydney’s West where they bumped into and got pictures with Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth.
“I would have been in Newcastle with the team if I still had my job,” Morris said.
“When you sign up to be an NRL coach you do miss out on some family time.
“I’d often take the boys to work and they’d muck around on the field or in the gym while we trained.”
The Morris family watched Friday night’s loss to the Knights from their loungeroom.
“We were really cheering for the boys,” Morris said, “It was crazy when they hit the front near the end. We were all screaming. I was really proud of the boys how they played.”
Morris is taking a short break before looking at other opportunities.
He admits he still wants to get more experience.
“They (Cronulla) said I was still developing … 100 per cent I am. Tell me a coach that isn’t.
“It doesn’t matter who you are … all coaches are still developing in their first few years.
“There are things I need to do better but we played finals football in my first two years and managed a lot of adversity. I know I can handle the job.
“It’s important I try to get into a strong environment with an experienced head coach.”
Morris was given his opportunity in 2019 when Shane Flanagan was stood down by the NRL.
“I probably started before I thought I’d get a chance when Flanno left,” he said.
“The club at the time was looking at Cameron Ciraldo and Justin Holbrook who hadn’t coached in the NRL either. So I thought I’d have a go.
“And I think I proved I’m competent enough to be a good head coach in the future.”
Join the conversation
‘It’s just terrible’: Coach names and shames
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has named and shamed Bunker official Chris Butler after going scorched earth on a “terrible” call.
Read more
Superstar a whisker away from perfect 10: Every Panther, Shark rated
Penrith were far from their best against a gritty Cronulla side, but one man stood tall to lead them into their fifth consecutive grand final. Check out our player ratings and have your say!
Read more