NRL 2022: Andrew Ryan retrurns to Bulldogs, Manly eye Jason Ryles as Des Hasler successor

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo’s first coaching staff move can be revealed, while Manly are in the midst of planning a long-term succession plan for Des Hasler.

Jason Ryles has emerged as a contender to take over from Des Hasler at the Sea Eagles.

Bulldogs great Andrew Ryan is headed back to Belmore.

In what marks incoming Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo’s first coaching staff move, Ryan will return to Canterbury for the first time since retiring after 218 games with the club in 2011.

The former premiership-winning captain who was revered for his work-rate on the field will be charged with replenishing Canterbury’s hard-nosed DNA.

Ryan will work in a cultural leadership role that will focus on creating a greater connection and understanding of what the Bulldogs stand for and who the players represent.

The former NSW and Test forward has almost a decade of experience in mentorship, education and player wellbeing at the NRL.

More recently, the 2009 Dally M captain of the year coached the Knights NSW Cup team and for the past two years, the NSW under-19’s.

The latter could prove hugely advantageous for the Dogs recruitment when it comes to trying to lure the best young talent in the game.

Andrew Ryan will return to the Bulldogs to join Cameron Ciraldo’s staff.

Ciraldo and Ryan have been close confidantes ever since working together with the Country Origin team from 2014 to 2017.

Ryan, 43, was also a member of Ciraldo’s staff when he was coach of Italy during the 2017 World Cup.

Ryan told The Sunday Telegraph he was excited to be heading back to Belmore.

“I’m super passionate about helping the club and doing anything I can for Canterbury,’’ Ryan said.

“I know Cam very well, he’s a wonderful appointment and he’s someone that values the connection of a group highly.

“He reached out to me to see if I was interested in helping develop that space for the Dogs, while also doing anything and everything with the team.

“This is a playing group that I can’t wait to get connected with.

“I think everyone would know how much Canterbury means to me and I want every player to understand what this club can do for them.

Cameron Ciraldo takes over as Bulldogs coach next season. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s a special club with a special fan base.

“It helped shape my life and that’s how every player should feel when they pull on a Bulldogs jersey.

“I know it’s been tough for fans of late, but I can’t wait to get in and get this great club back to where it belongs in the NRL.’’

Ryan is recognised as one of the club’s most influential leaders having served as captain of Canterbury across seven seasons, including the honour of leading the Bulldogs to their 2004 premiership success.

Ciraldo is in the midst of formalising his coaching staff for the 2023 season.

Current Dogs assistant coach Dave Furner announced last week that he was headed to the Wests Tigers.

Coach contender: Rookie in frame to be Hasler’s successor

By Michael Carayannis, Brent Read

Jason Ryles has emerged as a potential replacement for Des Hasler as the Sea Eagles consider long-term succession plans for the club.

The Sunday Telegraph has learnt that one idea being pitched to Sea Eagles management is for Ryles to take over the clipboard when Hasler retires.

Ryles is largely considered by most in the game as one of the best assistants yet to have a crack in the top grade. He is in the midst of his first season at the Roosters where he has an agreement to remain at the club until at least the end of 2024 as Trent Robinson’s assistant.

By anointing Ryles that would enable Hasler to be given a 12-month contract extension on top of his current deal which ends next season. Hasler has made it clear he wants to coach for two more seasons and then may consider shifting into another role.

That role could see him mentor Ryles and work alongside the former Kangaroos prop at Manly for season 2025.

Jason Ryles has emerged as a contender to take over from Des Hasler at the Sea Eagles.

Ideally the Sea Eagles would like whoever replaces Hasler to spend some time working with him as an assistant – potentially as early as next year – but Ryles’ agreement with the Roosters would prevent that.

Hasler and Ryles share the same management company.

The 43-year-old former St George Illawarra, Roosters and Storm prop has made a successful transition into coaching but has so far resisted the temptation to become a head coach. He spent five seasons at the Storm as an assistant to Craig Bellamy and worked under England rugby coach Eddie Jones before joining the Roosters.

Ryles is happy with life at the Roosters and is in no rush to become a head coach. It is understood he wants to continue to learn and wait for the best opportunity. Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has provided the template for assistant coaches having knocked back multiple approaches before accepting the job at the Sharks. Ryles will have no shortage of suitors when he decides the time is right and will be considered one of the frontrunners to replace Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy. Manly’s recent off-field instability may impact Ryles’ decision.

Other emerging coaches the Sea Eagles could consider include South Sydney assistant Ben Hornby and Cronulla’s Josh Hannay.

Des Hasler’s future as Manly coach remains up in the air. Picture: Getty Images

Hasler’s future is no clearer despite a clear the air meeting with Manly management on Thursday. That meeting resulted in confusion with one party claiming a deal had been reached for Hasler to coach until at least 2024 but Manly management adamant they only agreed to guarantee his current deal.

Manly want a long-term plan in place which includes mapping out who their next coach will be in a bid to create some much-needed stability at the club.

Current assistant Steve Hales has strong support from some at the club and is close to a number of players but is unlikely to be parachuted into the top job in the short-term.

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Originally published as NRL 2022: Andrew Ryan retrurns to Bulldogs, Manly eye Jason Ryles as Des Hasler successor