Cronulla sets emergency meeting over the future of death row coach John Morris

Cronulla has reportedly set an emegency showdown with coach John Morris on Monday following reports he has already been replaced.

Sharks head coach John Morris. Getty.

Cronulla powerbrokers have reportedly scheduled an emergency meeting with coach John Morris’ representatives after reports he has already been replaced.

Morris’ agent is set for a showdown with Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta following reports on Sunday the club has already replaced.

It emerged Sunday, the Sharks have already found their new coach in Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon with reports claiming Trent Robinson’s No. 2 will agree to a three-year deal reported to be worth more than $1.5 million.

The claim has been denied by Mezzatesta, who is reported to have sent a text declaring: “Bomber [Morris] is still our coach and we have not signed a deal with anyone”.

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John Morris hugs Shaun Johnson. AAP.

Despite reports earlier this month the Sharks were set to give Morris until Round 8 to show he deserved a contract extension beyond the 2021 season, it was reported the club jumped into bed with Fitzgibbon before even breaking up with Morris. Fitzgibbon has reportedly already told senior Roosters figures he intends to coach Cronulla next year.

However, The Daily Telegraph now reports the Sharks and player manager Chris Orr will thrash out Morris’ future on Monday.

The Sunday Telegraph was the first to report Morris was a dead man walking after the Sharks’ loss to the Roosters on Saturday.

Morris guided the Sharks to the finals in 2019 and 2020, but rumours of the club’s dire failure to attract star players to the club has been hung around his neck.

Under Morris, 12 rookies have debuted and Morris has not been able to dip his toe into the player market.

Danny Buderus and Craig Fitzgibbon on the NSW training staff.

It’s something that off-contract star Shaun Johnson said was disappointing, especially when Morris “hasn’t had any control over the roster”.

“I think everyone that’s aware of the situation would definitely be feeling the same about it,” the injured playmaker said on Fox League’s Sunday Night with Matty Johns.

“I look at the facts, bro. I don’t know how you can have a coach who has been thrown in at the deep end right at the start. He had to take over a difficult situation at the star with Flanagan leaving.

“He’s gone after it, taken the side to the finals the last couple of years and finds himself in the position he is now. It’s disappointing, certainly disappointing.”