NRL 2022: Anthony Griffin contract call could put Dragons’ off-season in jeopardy
St George Illawarra have missed the finals once again and thanks to one crucial call there could be more pain ahead for Red V fans.
The Dragons remain committed to Anthony Griffin next season but will undergo a raft of changes after missing the finals for the sixth time in seven seasons.
Even before Saturday’s victory over Brisbane, the Dragons had secured more wins this year than in the past three seasons. But St George Illawarra boss Ryan Webb has said the team’s failure to finish inside the top eight was not to be celebrated.
“There were good signs along the way and some poor signs,” Webb said. “Ultimately, we are going to finish in 10th and miss the finals so you can’t give yourself a pass mark for a season like that.
“There are some elements where we can focus on and improve and get better as a team sooner rather than later.
“It’s looking at our players as our individuals and how we can get the best out of those.”
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There was an air of confidence about the Dragons this year. There was a large turnover of players and they recruited heavily in the off-season led by the likes of Moses Suli, Jaydn Su’A and Francis Molo.
The youngsters the club had long earmarked for success were also expected to shine but the likes of Tyrell Sloan and Jayden Sullivan have spent more time out of first grade than in the top squad.
Skipper Ben Hunt has shone and is in the mix for the Dally M while Cody Ramsey has been a revelation at fullback.
“We’ve had some younger players excel and step up which has been fantastic but a lot of our players who we would have hoped for more consistent results have not been able to deliver that week on week,” Webb said. “We have to look at how we can support them with our training and coaches to get them performing at their best week in week out.”
Conjecture continues to surround Griffin’s future. The Dragons took up his option for next year and Webb guaranteed he would start next season as coach.
The club has parted ways with assistants Peter Gentle and Mat Head as well as other backroom staff. Ben Woolf will be one assistant.
“Anthony has 2023 on the deal and he will be our coach,” Webb said.
“There will be a lot of changes around him in terms of the assistants and other support staff. Those changes are being made with a goal of getting a coaching group and structure in place that will get the best results for the team.”
The likes of Dean Young have already been earmarked as a potential coach in 2024.
After making a big splash in the player market in 2022, the Dragons have little wiggle-room in their salary cap for next year. They are in discussions with Tigers rake Jacob Liddle but are also in the market to add some depth in the forwards.
“We have some money in the salary cap,” Webb said. “A real focus is some big bodies to come in.”
WHAT WENT WRONG
The recruitment of ageing veterans under the Dragons ‘Moneyball’ theory. George Burgess, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Moses Mbye, Tautau Moga, Jack Bird and Aaron Woods tried hard, but the speed of the current game shone a spotlight on the amount of senior statesman Saints had in their roster.
WHAT WENT RIGHT
The influence, control and consistency from halfback Ben Hunt. Without Hunt, it’s hard to fathom where the Dragons would have finished in 2022. The eventual arrival into the NRL on a consistent basis of Cody Ramsey at fullback. Likewise Junior Amone, whose final six weeks of the season will give Saints fans hope.
TURNING POINT
When St George Illawarra agreed to extend the contract of coach Anthony Griffin before a ball was kicked in 2022. The bizarre decision, when no other club was chasing Griffin, has left the Dragons board reluctant to make a call on their coach before next season, which puts the entire 2023 summer in jeopardy.
2023 GAINS AND LOSSES
Gains: Nil
Losses: Tariq Sims (Storm), Daniel Alvaro (Toulouse), Josh McGuire (Warrington).
WHO THEY NEED TO SIGN
A hooker with growth in his game and that can play with creativity like Reece Robson or Jacob Liddle. Ben Hunt’s contract beyond 2023 also needs to be sorted.
WHY THEY’LL IMPROVE
Without any salary cap space to buy a player who will dramatically change the Dragons playing style, the only positive Dragons fans can draw is from the continued development of talented rookies including Junior Amone, Jayden Sullivan, Cody Ramsey and Michael Molo.
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