Dragons make shock play for State of Origin coach as George Williams snubs NRL approaches

The Dragons’ chase for a new head coach has ramped up – and one big name was on the hit list. Plus, an English star turns his back on a Tigers move in SPORT CONFIDENTIAL.

Billy Slater. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

St George Illawarra inquired about the availability of Billy Slater as their potential next coach before the Dragons were told the Maroons mentor was not interested in the role.

The development comes on the same day skipper Ben Hunt admitted he would “reassess” his future at the club should they move on from coach Anthony Griffin.

“(Griffin) has been here for a couple of years now and we are building in a direction I believe is the right direction,” Hunt told reporters on Wednesday.

“I believe if you take away your coach and bring a new coach in, it’s going to start that cycle again and to be honest I don’t have the time to start it all again.

“I’m getting to the back end and I’m not really keen on starting fresh.”

Pressed on whether Griffin’s possible exit would prompt him to look at his own ties to the club, Hunt said: “You would definitely have a think about it and reassess, maybe.”

The Dragons have ramped up their discussions with would-be candidates for their head coaching position in recent weeks and Slater was among those on their potential wish list.

Maroons coach Billy Slater rejected the interest. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

However, they were told by Slater’s camp that the Melbourne Storm legend was not willing to entertain the role as he focuses on retaining the Origin shield.

Slater is considered a likely frontrunner to replace Craig Bellamy at the Storm if he wishes to pursue a head coaching position.

So far he has been hesitant to do so as he balances the Origin role with his media commitments.

Dragons officials have long courted Bellamy too, having made several previous attempts to entice him to the club.

Slater’s name being floated is of little surprise as the Dragons cast a wide net of potential suitors as they wait to decide if Griffin remains in charge beyond this season.

St George Illawarra officials have spent the past few weeks reaching out to managers to gauge the interest levels of various coaches on the open market.

Aside from Slater others who have been discussed include former St George Illawarra players Jason Ryles, Ben Hornby and Dean Young. Ryles is also considered a prime candidate for the Storm job should Bellamy leave as expected.

Bellamy said last month that Slater would do a “great job” if the former fullback replaced him at the Storm.

“I couldn’t imagine a guy that hasn’t coached NRL being better prepared than Bill but it’s a big decision for him,” Bellamy said. “He’s got a few things going on away from footy with his horses and commentary and if he has an itch to coach then it is being scratched during Origin.”

Former Manly coach Des Hasler.

Ryles, Hornby and Slater share the same management stable alongside Manly premiership winner Des Hasler.

Ryles, Hornby, Young, Hasler along with the likes of Shane Flanagan, Josh Hannay and John Morris will be spoken about when the Dragons board next meets on Tuesday.

The Dragons are yet to directly speak to candidates but that could change next week once they draw up a hit list.

Griffin remains a chance to keep the role but pressure is building after starting the season with two wins from five matches.

ENGLISH STAR KNOCKS BACK NRL RETURN

Former Raiders halfback George Williams has knocked back an opportunity to return to the NRL with the English star inking a long-term deal to remain at Warrington.

Williams was on the hit-list of a number of clubs with the Tigers and the Bulldogs most likely to pursue the 28-year-old.

He had sounded out the potential of an NRL return in 2024 and clubs were lining up to have a crack at Williams. The Tigers were expected to be the most likely to chase Williams as they look to solve their halves dilemma.

George Williams has re-signed with Warrington. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

That won’t eventuate now with Williams re-signing until the end of 2026.

Some clubs held out hope that he would play in Australia next year but the stumbling block was his deal at Warrington did not expire until the end of next season.

Williams will now play out his career England despite the prospect of a seven figure pay day if he returned to Australia. His new deal at Warrington is expected to make him the highest paid Super League player.

Williams had an impressive 18 months at the Raiders but split from the club in controversial style midway through 2021.

Warrington are flying led by Williams and former St George Illawarra duo Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan.

The Wolves are unbeaten from their opening eight games. Vaughan has also extended his time at the club until 2025.

Originally published as Dragons make shock play for State of Origin coach as George Williams snubs NRL approaches