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St George Illawarra’s decision to trigger a contract extension for coach Anthony Griffin in 2023 does make some sense even though many Dragons fans are predictably firing up.
The club announced on Wednesday night that the third year of his deal would be activated even though the team is yet to play a game this season.
Nobody at the Dragons would concede this publicly but the decision appears to be an admission that this is a rebuilding year and expectations for on-field results should be low.
In that sense, the Griffin extension is a prudent move. It means if the Dragons are struggling after the first few rounds there won’t be constant speculation about his future dogging him and the team throughout their 2022 campaign.
And, as CEO Ryan Webb alluded to in the club’s announcement, it gives Griffin a fair timeline to show he’s pointing the ship in the right direction.
Anthony ‘Hook’ Griffin. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
But that also means the clock is ticking for next year. If the team is still unable to start challenging for the finals midway through next season, Griffin’s chances of a second contract will be slim because the club can argue he’s been given a decent timeframe to prove he can take them back to title contention.
The Dragons fell away badly after the infamous Paul Vaughan barbecue incident after a promising first season under Griffin to finish 11th last season with an 8-16 record.
Griffin had been signed for a two-year deal with a club option on the third and the joint venture directors met on Tuesday and decided to retain his services rather than wait until as long as August, as per the clause in the contract.
The Red V are still in the midst of a transitional period for their roster and, like he did at Penrith with their production line of young talent, Griffin is banking on youth to deliver success.
With Ben Hunt, Tariq Sims, Josh McGuire and Andrew McCullough in the twilight of their careers, it’s time to build around Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan, Junior Amone, Zac Lorax and Cody Ramsey.
Off-season recruit Moses Suli is still only 23 despite already having stints at three clubs so there is plenty of upside in the former Manly centre.
Jack Bird looks ready to excel in a transition to a back-row berth and Maroons forward Jaydn Su’A joining the club from Souths is another building block for the future.
“I am very appreciative to extend my time as head coach of the Dragons,” Griffin said in the club statement.
“We are heading in the right direction, and myself and all the great people at the club are determined to play our roles in bringing future success to the Dragons.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far and I’m excited by what’s to come this season and beyond.
“The challenge of a new year starts this weekend in our first trial against Parramatta, and my immediate focus remains on a strong preparation for the upcoming season.”
Webb said the former Broncos and Panthers mentor had impressed club officials with his no-nonsense attitude during a transitional period.
“The club has undertaken a lot of change in the last 18 months and Anthony has played a positive role, both on and off the field,” Webb said.
“The board and I feel Anthony is the right man to continue setting the required standards to return the Dragons back to where they belong.”