Sydney Roosters assistant Jason Ryles has sensationally rejected St George Illawarra’s lucrative offer to replace Anthony Griffin as head coach, instead signing with the Melbourne Storm as an assistant.
Ryles was the raging favourite to take the reigns at the Dragons, having had a four-year deal believed to be worth $3.2 million in front of him.
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And despite being a Wollongong resident and having played 156 games for the club, St George still couldn’t convince him to sign the dotted line.
“Jason notified us this morning that he no longer wanted to be considered for the role,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb confirmed on Wednesday.
“It wasn’t the right time for him.
“We appreciate him being honest and rather find out now than in six months time that he didn’t feel comfortable.
“We will continue on our process with the other candidates and hopefully bring it to a head shortly.”
Later on Wednesday, the Storm confirmed Ryles would call Melbourne home from 2024 in a possible hint at a Craig Bellamy succession plan.
Bellamy announced earlier this month that he would remain as head coach of the Storm for a 22nd year next season after weighing up whether he wanted to step back into a director of coaching role at the club.
But it’s likely to be his last year at the helm, with his departure having long been mooted, though he will still remain at the club in some capacity thereafter regardless.
Ryles’ return to the Storm – having previously been there as a player and assistant coach – is the biggest clue yet that Melbourne is preparing for life after Bellamy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason and his family back to the Melbourne Storm,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.
“Jason is a highly respected person in the game, he’s a talented coach and he will strengthen our football program across a number of different areas.
“Not only will Jason add further depth to our coaching ranks, but he will play an important role working with our pathways, academies, and junior representative programs in the coming years.
“He is a popular figure around our club with coaches, players, staff and our supporters and we can’t wait to see him back at AAMI Park.”
Triple M’s Brent Read reported that Ryles “has agreed to a long term deal to return to Storm with understanding he will eventually take over from Craig Bellamy.
“Massive blow to Dragons. They thought they had him.”
Ryles said he was excited to return to the club.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I am very comfortable knowing I am returning to Storm and can’t wait to get back the club,” Ryles said.
“This was a decision I made with my family, and I know it will be best for my coaching growth and development. I have an enormous amount of respect for the club and couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to work with Craig, Frank (Ponissi) and the football department when it was presented.
“The opportunity to be involved with the senior coaching and playing group as well as playing a role in the future of the club through the pathways and junior reps program is very exciting.
“The Roosters have been a wonderful club to work at and I am grateful to them for the opportunity they have provided me over the last couple of seasons.”