The Dragons have reportedly questioned Queensland manager Billy Slater (L) about his interest in coaching the NRL club. Image: Getty
Reports have surfaced that Queensland home state coach Billy Slater has turned down an application from the St George Illawarra Dragons regarding the NRL the role of the club’s head coach. The pressure on the current Dragons coach has been growing for months Anthony Griffin, with the veteran mentor’s future likely to be decided next month.
The club have already spoken to representatives of potential substitutes to assess their interest before calling on whether to re-sign Griffin. Club star Jason Ryles would likely be one of the main contenders, along with fellow Dragons stars Ben Hornby and Dean Young. Shane Flanagan, male assistant and former Premier League-winning coach, are likely to be other names to be unveiled at a board meeting next week.
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There is a feeling next month’s results – when the Dragons play Canberra, the Sydney Roosters, Canterbury and the Wests Tigers – could decide whether or not Griffin is granted a stay at the Dragons. However, there is a strong feeling in rugby league circles that the 56-year-old will not be with the club in 2024.
As the panel addressed the situation on NRL 360 Wednesday night, the panel revealed that the Dragons in their extensive search for potential coaching candidates were rejected by Slater, who guided the Maroons to a State of Origin victory in his coaching debut in 2022. Series led “The Dragons’ coaching situation is ongoing and they have searched far and wide for the potential replacement for Anthony Griffin,” said The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis.
“Dragons officials have been picking up the phone over the past few weeks to gauge interest from various candidates, and one of those is Queensland coach Billy Slater.” He claims Slater’s response was polite: “Thanks, but no thanks you.” .
The story goes on
Co-host Paul Kent said it was odd to hear the Dragons made a play at Slater amid their extensive efforts to scout potential candidates. “It’s interesting that they’re after Slater,” he said. “They said they go through a process and go out and go through a methodical sequence of who’s available and what they can offer and then today we find out they sneaked into Billy.”
Carayannis clarified that the Dragons hadn’t actually offered Slater the role, merely gauged his interest in it. “This is part of what they promised, they said they would assess some potential candidates and see who’s available and I can’t fault them for just seeing if there’s any interest from Billy,” Carayannis said . “It wasn’t like they officially offered him the job and said if you want it, it’s yours. It was, Billy, would you be interested? And the message came back, no thanks a lot, and they’ve moved on to other candidates.
“This is ahead of next Tuesday’s board meeting where the board will receive a list of potential candidates who want the job and are interested in the job. From there they will figure out what they are looking for in a trainer.”
Former Manly coach Des Hasler has emerged as a potential front-runner for the Dragons role. Image: Getty
Des Hasler as the Dragons’ next coach?
The situation comes amid reports that a Dragons director told Wide world of sports that the Dragons board has decided against appointing anyone from the club. If that’s the case, it would rule out Ryles, Hornby and Young.
“The last time we had success was in 2010 when we thought outside the box, hired Wayne Bennett and won the competition,” the Dragons source said. “We believe this is the right way. Granted, Griffin came from the outside, but that didn’t work out as well as we’d hoped. But we think it’s best to get a fresh face, someone who doesn’t come into contact with St the club without any pre-packaged ideas.”
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the Dragons have met with senior player manager George Mimis, who is also deputizing for former Manly coach Des Hasler. It is understood the club’s new stance puts the two-time Premier League-winning coach in pole position for the role.
Bulldogs supremo and Nine commentator Phil Gould said he thinks Hasler would be a good choice with the Dragons: “I think the Dragons need someone who’s never been a part of the Dragons… I think Des Hasler would be good to them right at this time.”
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