The boss of TripADeal, one of the Dragons’ biggest sponsors, has thrown his support behind under siege coach Anthony Griffin.
The 56-year-old’s future at the Red V has become uncertain after it was revealed Dragons bosses made a huge promise to young guns Tyrell Sloan and Jayden Sullivan.
The pair were reportedly told that 2023 will be Griffin’s last year in charge after both decided to backflip after initially handing in requests for an immediate release.
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Norm Black, the owner of TripADeal, reportedly spends close to $1 million on rugby league according to The Daily Telegraph, going beyond being just an apparel sponsor.
Black has made a desperate plea to Dragons powerbrokers, hoping to keep Griffin at the club long term.
“Hook is not the problem there, I’m telling you,” Black said.
“He’s actually got a plan to get the club back to where it needs to be in the next three to five years. I think he’s been unfairly targeted in sections of the media and it’s not right.
“He had 12 wins and most years that gets you into the top eight. I think he’s a good coach and an impressive man.”
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Black reportedly has a close relationship with the playing group and is certain Griffin is on side with his squad, despite the club’s culture coming under fire.
Only three players attended the Dragons’ presentation night and the Red V have been unable to make the finals in two years under Griffin, whose contract expires at the end of 2023.
“You look at the young ones that really improved this year — Junior Amone, Cody Ramsay and Matt Feagai — they improved out of sight,” he said.
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“I’m close with a number of players and they are comfortable enough to express themselves and speak openly if there’s a problem.
“They haven’t done that.
“I was talking to Tyrell Sloan the other day. He’s the same. He actually said to me ‘I wish I’d been better at listening to the truth earlier.’
“He knows Hook will give him his opportunity.”
