Dragons face significant overhaul if club is to emerge from NRL mediocrity

Anthony Griffin was fired as head coach of St George Illawarra after a dismal two and a half seasons. It began with the dull enthusiasm that usually accompanies a repurposed coach and concluded with a protracted march towards the unavoidable, characterized by absurd selection choices and growing deficits.

When the team declared in the middle of March that it would hold open interviews for the head coaching position in 2024, Griffin knew the time was running out. Griffin is welcome to reapply for the position; this is an extremely uncommon move to look for a new coach without first formally contacting the current one.

The Dragons started the season with a victory over the Titans at home, but a week later, after giving up in the second half against the Broncos, things started to fall apart. Only one victory was recorded by Griffin’s Dragons in his last nine games. The Dragons board was unable to withstand six straight losses, which included a humiliating 42-22 loss to North Queensland in Ben Hunt’s 300th game.

In his 58 games with St George Illawarra, Griffin had a record of 22–36. The Dragons placed 11th and 10th while he was coaching them, and he leaves with the team locked into 16th place.

Such a lackluster comeback is the continuation of Paul McGregor’s disappointing seven seasons in charge. Recycled coaches are those who are in their second or third job and have never won a premiership.