NRL: Michael Clarke says Anthony Griffin has been fired by the Dragons

Michael Clarke has slammed St George Illawarra Dragons for their “embarrassing” treatment of Anthony Griffin after the NRL club effectively “sacked” their coach.

On Tuesday, reports emerged that the Dragons coach will have to re-apply for his position, as his contract is set to expire at the end of 2023.

St George Illawarra intend to weigh their options before making a decision, as former Dragons star Jason Ryle is understood to have sparked interest from club chiefs.

But Australia’s former Test captain Clark believed the Dragons had already sealed Griffin’s fate and was scathing at their failure to be decisive.

“It’s called suger paint,” Clarke told Sky Sports Radio.

Michael Clarke criticized the Dragons for their treatment of head coach Anthony Griffin

The St George Illawarra coach was asked to re-apply for his position at the club

He was fired. He should not reapply. It’s embarrassing for him. It’s embarrassing for the dragon if he re-applies and gets it.

Clarke recalled how former Australia coach Tim Nielsen was put in a similar situation in 2011 and said his old mentor had been “kicked out of the guts”.

“I’ve seen this happen with Tim Nielsen,” Clark said.

He was told, “We’re looking elsewhere, you can reapply”. It was terrible. It was an awful process to be a part of.

It was very difficult for the coach and the players who support and support the coach.

“And now it’s been three games into the season – and he (Griffin) can’t be there next year. It’s a nice, soft, polite way of saying, she won’t be with us next season.

Unless the 15 people we want (train) don’t agree with the terms, and then we’ll rehire you. game over. There will be a new boss in Dragon next year.

Clarke also pointed out the odd timing of the story, insisting that the club had had all summer to remove Griffin and that this season had already been written off.

“If they were going to fire him, they would have done it before the year started,” he said.

Clark believes the club has already written off its 2023 campaign

‘How can you come out and say that’s three games in?’ That’s the only thing. Before kicking the ball this season, they should have already made up their minds that he won’t be there next year.

They weren’t that bad. Why didn’t they do it in the off-season? What have they seen in the past three weeks to change direction? Has any other coach suspended his contract in the last three weeks?

I don’t think they cared about their coach. And I don’t think they cared about their team. They ripped up their season and said, “You know what, we don’t care.” This could not help the playgroup.

re-submission? What a slap in the face. Would anyone reapply in this situation?