Morris facing axe at Cronulla as Sharks plot move for new coach

John Morris is facing the axe as Cronulla coach with Craig Fitzgibbon being eyed up as his long-term replacement.

Sharks head coach John Morris is facing the axe

John Morris is facing the axe as Cronulla coach with Craig Fitzgibbon being eyed up as his long-term replacement.

According to a Sunday Telegraph report, no matter what Morris does he has no chance of keeping his job over the next few weeks.

It comes after weeks of players and commentators speaking out in support of Morris, who is out of contract at the end of the 2021 season.

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Fitzgibbon, who is currently an assistant coach at the Roosters, would follow in the footsteps of his father, Allan, who coached the Sharks in the 1980s.

The Sharks have also discussed Cameron Ciraldo, Penrith’s defence coach, with a decision expected by the end of April.

Speaking on Fox League’s Super Saturday Cooper Cronk said that Morris had done a fine job in trying circumstances and argued that the writing was on the wall for the Sharks boss.

“I think he’s done a tremendous job with the talent that’s been out the last few years,” Cronk said.

“There are a lot players there on big money that haven’t lived up to the expectation.

“I think the other thing too is for John Morris is the noise would be deafening.

“He hasn’t heard much and he’s been asking for an extension for a long time so that gives the indication they’re probably leaning another way.”

The Sharks have 14 players coming off contract including the likes of Josh Dugan, Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan, with Cronk arguing that recruitment and retention decision can’t be made until Cronulla have clarity over their head coach.

“Whether it’s John or someone else, it’s almost half their salary cap,” Cronk added.

“It’s $4 million plus, it’s a big catchment of do you retain or get something else. A coach needs to be in place.”

Originally published as Morris facing axe at Cronulla as Sharks plot move for new coach