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Stunning developments have come out of Penrith on Monday afternoon, with current coach Anthony Griffin replaced by his assistant Cameron Ciraldo.
With the finals only being five weeks away, the Panthers are currently sitting in fifth place on the ladder and have been entrenched in the top four for much of the season. They are already locked into the finals.
Griffin has also had a huge injury crisis to deal with throughout the season, which has made the run of Penrith all the more impressive.
The news is made even more shocking given that Griffin would have been just the second coach in the club’s history to lead Penrith to three-straight finals series.
Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher confirmed that Griffin will part ways with the club, effective immediately.
“There has been much speculation and rumours about the club and head coach Anthony Griffin over the last few weeks,” he said.
“After discussions with Anthony Griffin it is time to end that speculation. By mutual agreement, the club and Anthony have agreed to part ways, effective immediately.”
The coach who began his career at the Brisbane Broncos in 2011, lasting four seasons in the Queensland capital, took over the Panthers at the beginning of the 2016 season.
A club with an abundance of young talent, they have had promising results, but it hasn’t brought about a grand final appearance yet.
His replacement is likely to be Cameron Ciraldo. After a 94-game career for the Sharks, Knights and Panthers in the back row, as well as games for Italy and a World Cup run, he had to retire through injury.
Since then, he has been coaching in the lower grades at Penrith and doing an excellent job. He had two minor premierships and a premiership with the Panthers under 20s outfit, before being promoted as Griffin’s assistant. He is also head coach of Italy.
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