What’s the Buzz: Cronulla Sharks’ deadline for John Morris call

John Morris came into the season with questions around his future but a decision on the Cronulla coach is imminent.

The Sharks will make a decision on the coaching career of John Morris. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Cronulla Sharks will make a decision on the coaching career of John Morris within six weeks, ending months of unsettling speculation over his future.

By that stage the Sharks will have a definite answer on their offer to Storm supercoach Craig Bellamy, who now looks like staying in Melbourne.

“It will not drag on for months,” chief executive Dino Mezzatesta said.

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“It wouldn’t be fair to John. He needs to know what he’s doing. It’s either an extension or we go to market.

“We’ve got a lot of players off contract and recruitment decisions also need to be made.

“We’ll look at it closely in coming weeks.”

The Sharks will make a decision soon on the coaching career of John Morris. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

A decision by round eight is expected.

Morris is the lowest-paid coach in the competition on about $380,000 a year.

What upset the Sharks last season was his manager marching in and asking for an extension and a pay increase to double what he was earning. It was seen as inappropriate pressure being applied at the height of the financial strain from COVID-19.

Still, the young coach has done a tremendous job at the Sharks to make the top eight two years in a row with an inherited roster of underperforming players on too much money.

There is much emotion surrounding the issue because Morris is a popular figure in the Shire.

Sharks sources are indicating Morris is likely to get a 12-month extension in a deal similar to Des Hasler’s new contract at Manly.

The agreement would be extended if he continues to do well and meets performance targets.

Check out all the latest NRL chatter and more in Australia’s hottest sport gossip column.

Pressure is already mounting on Cowboys coach Todd Payten. Picture: Alix Sweeney

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Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Cronulla Sharks’ deadline for John Morris call