St George Illawarra’s search for a coach might finally be coming to a conclusion, with Roosters assistant Jason Ryles set to ink a four-year deal with the Dragons.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Ryles will begin work at the club in the coming weeks, though he will not coach the team until the start of the 2024 season.
Ryan Carr, the current interim, will continue first grade duties as planned with Ryles taking a backseat role as he oversees a change in systems and culture at the Red V.
The four-year contract is 12 months shorter than what Ryles had initially requested, with his preference for an arrangement similar to that which brought Cameron Ciraldo from the Panthers to the Bulldogs late last year.
Even so, it is a show of support from the Dragons to a rookie who has never held a head coaching role on his own and has only ever been an assistant.
The Herald has also reported that Ryles did not participate in the Roosters’ bye week training camp on the Central Coast – where they will face the Bulldogs this Sunday – in order for the Chooks to integrate his replacements, former players Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner.
Ryles remained in Sydney and will now begin bargaining with the Dragons over his backroom staff.
“I’m not too sure what’s going on there but he’s probably ready to take that next stop and be a head coach in the NRL,” said Roosters five eighth Luke Keary.
“He’s such a good person, he’s very astute, very detailed in what he does. He reminds me a lot of Fitzy (Craig Fitzgibbon) as they’ve both got a bit of an aura and presence around them, both big men.
“He’s ready for the opportunity.
“We’ve had a lot of really good assistants here and that’s the path they’re on and their dream is to coach a first grade team themselves.
“As players it doesn’t really affect us, we understand what they’re trying to do , we know when they’re all in but they’re trying to chase their coaching dream outside.”
Tony
Roar Guru
What a difference 48 hours can make
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Oh they blew it big time Tony :angry: :unhappy:
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
I doubt they could get a player from the Normanton Stingers to switch clubs, let alone someone from the Roosters. I expect the "Ryles experiment" will mirror Barrett's tenure at the Dogs. Ryles the only applicant says it all, no interest from Flannagan, Hasler or Maguire.
danwain
Roar Rookie
As soon as he said it, it was a done deal
KenW
Roar Rookie
It's alright, I probably deserved it elsewhere!
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Apologies Ken. My team is playing like shite which makes me edgy.
Scott Rea
Roar Pro
DP Schaefer I agree Billy has a great life balance and don't think he would give that up for a full time coaching role.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
yes but when does it happen... been murmurs and scuttlebutt for a while, hurry and announce I say...
KenW
Roar Rookie
This seems like one of my least likely posts to earn a 'Settle down' + a rant about my team.
Bernie
Roar Rookie
so following other recent trends at another unnamed club, lets just call them ooh i dont know doggies?, can we expect a stream of the Chooks best up & comers to switch to the Dragons?
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Settle down Ken, We all know that your front office is a basket case. This is just another poor decision! Ryles was the Roosters D coach and look how well they're performing. Good luck with him!
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Some weeding pruning and fertilising is on the cards but I hope they don’t mistake a seedling for a weed.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
I believe so. I hope so. Make it so.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
He will be employed as a ‘consultant’ perhaps?
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Rein or reign? That is the question. I looked it up and still don’t quite know :silly:
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Winning ways can do wonders. If Ryles is adamant about having free rein the SGI Dragons may yet have a positive future.
Bernie
Roar Rookie
why? true fans follow their team through thick and thin. i've always supported Saints, in good times and bad - and at the moment its as bad as it gets. which means the only way is up and improvement is bound to follow.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
No I don't know as a fact, just a highly suspicious nature and an experienced reading of the runes. My take on what I see is that it is more likely than not that the board had Mary in a straight jacket. All we really know about the Storm coaching position is what we read in the press, however decisions like this are never taken in a vacuum. Both of these two are insiders in the Storm with strong connections with Bellamy, the Storm hierarchy and each other. That is why Bellamy's decision to stay another year and Ryles decision to go to St George is very significant.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Origin coaching positions tend to be short lived. By the time Bellamy takes a back seat, Billy will have done 3 years coaching Origin which is probably enough. Look I get what you are saying and anyone who just wants a comfortable life would take your advise, but is Billy that man ? I think the challenge will be too much to resist for Billy.