NRL 2023: St George Illawarra Dragons on cusp of announcing Jason Ryles as new coach

St George Illawarra Dragons are about to land their man Jason Ryles. We reveal the likely terms of the deal, his coaching staff and first moves.

Roosters assistant coach Jason Ryles is likely off to the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

St George Illawarra is on the cusp of landing their man after meetings on Monday culminated in talks with Jason Ryles over a four-year-deal to take charge of the Dragons and preside over the rebuild of the famous Red V.

Ryles was the Dragons’ No. 1 target from the moment they decided to end Anthony Griffin’s tenure as head coach and barring a dramatic U-turn, he will now be charged with reinvigorating a club that has languished in recent seasons.

After initially pushing for a five-year-deal, it is understood the parties have arrived at a four-year term that would give Ryles the time and space to regenerate a club on its knees.

Ryles’ 18-month coaching stint with the Roosters is expected to officially come to an end this week which will allow him to focus on the massive task at hand at the Dragons.

The Roosters travelled to the Central Coast during the bye last week with Ryles a noticeable absentee. While he won’t coach at the Dragons this year, the Roosters’ decision to move him on will allow him a headstart in piecing together his squad and support staff.

The Dragons are currently anchored at the foot of the ladder, having handed the reins to interim coach Ryan Carr following Griffin’s dismissal earlier this month.

Former Roosters assistant Jason Ryles is likely the new head coach of the Dragons. Picture: Getty

They have turned to a local product to reverse their fortunes. Ryles was born in Wollongong and played more than 150 first grade games for St George Illawarra before spending time at Melbourne, the Sydney Roosters and Catalans.

He transitioned into coaching on retirement and has served a blue-chip apprenticeship under the likes of Craig Bellamy, Eddie Jones and more recently Trent Robinson.

One of his first priorities will be to provide some comfort to captain Ben Hunt, a strident supporter of Griffin who has been linked with several clubs in recent weeks.

Hunt has two years remaining on his deal with the Dragons but that hasn’t stopped speculation he could look to leave. Rival clubs are believed to be closely monitoring the situation as they wait to see whether Hunt requests a release from his contract. He will also need to make a decision on what position Hunt would play at the Dragons long-term.

Jason Ryles during his playing days with the Dragons. Picture: AAP

Ryles will also need to make a call on several players who come off contract at the end of this season, most notably Moses Mbye and Billy Burns.

Jack de Belin and Mikaele Ravalawa also have options in their contracts for next season which they are yet to take up. It is understood Ryles has already begun piecing together his coaching staff with ex-Dragons teammate Shane Millard expected to join the football department. Millard is heading up Canterbury’s pathways having a long career coaching in the lower grades.

Former Dragons coach Nathan Brown is also expected to make a return to the club. The club has also been in discussions about bringing in a general manager of football, having held discussions with former South Sydney and Penrith chief executive Shane Richardson.

While Richardson is not expected to join the Dragons, the club may yet opt to explore alternative targets. Talks between Ryles and the Dragons began some weeks ago but have reached a crescendo over the past week.

Ryles met chief executive Ryan Webb and football boss Ben Haran last Tuesday and it is understood further talks were held on Monday as the Dragons looked to secure their new head coach.

Originally published as NRL 2023: St George Illawarra Dragons on cusp of announcing Jason Ryles as new coach