St George Illawarra Dragons coach Anthony Griffin extends stay

St George Illawarra Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has signed a new deal that will see him stay with the club until at least the end of 2023.

The NRL club took up the option in Griffin’s contract earlier this week. He will enter his second season as Dragons coach in 2022.

This season will be Griffin’s 10th a a head coach in the NRL following stints with Brisbane Broncos (2011-14) and Penrith Panthers (2016-18).

Griffin said: “I am very appreciative to extend my time as head coach of the Dragons.

“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.”

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Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said: “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.

“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.”

Griffin, 55, will coach his 200th NRL game in the Dragons’ third round clash against Cronulla Sharks.

The Dragons finished 11th in the NRL table last season. They will be hoping to make a return to the NRL finals series in 2022.

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