There are growing calls for the Dragons to interview Des Hasler with all signs pointing towards Anthony Griffin being shown the door within a month.
St George Illawarra have not tasted success since Wayne Bennett delivered the join-venture its only premiership in 2010.
They’ve played finals just twice – and haven’t finished higher than seventh on the ladder – since Bennett left at the end of 201, and the club is set to appoint its fourth coach in a decade.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Hasler has shot into contention after the club reportedly ruled out hiring former Dragons players Jason Ryles, Ben Hornby and Dean Young.
Hasler has been keeping a low profile since he was unceremoniously sacked by the Sea Eagles last October in the wake of the pride jersey saga.
“I spoke to him last week and Des is not talking too much about the future at the moment, but through people I know who speak to Des, he desperately wants to coach again,” Dean Ritchie said on Big Sports Breakfast.
“He’s made that known to the right people. Yes (the Dragons) are possible, whether the Dragons want to go down that path.
“I still think Des has a lot to offer to a club in disarray, you could say to Des ‘You’ve got two years, it’s not a long-term gig, come in, fix up the roster, fix up the salary cap, bring someone with you for the ride’… and then hand over.
“I think Des has got some great qualities through his personality to fix a wounded football team.”
MORE NRL NEWS
ORIGIN: Johns’ verdict on Blues halves battle as Freddy’s awkward Turbo call emerges
CRYPTIC RICKY: Raiders’ $1.1m cap move in Wighton race after Milford comment
PAYING OFF: Inside the gamble that led to ex-rugby star’s staggering NRL rise
SIDELINED: Tigers confirm Doueihi’s ACL tear but ‘further investigation’ required
Laurie Daley “completely agreed” and said the Dragons should appoint Hasler as part of a three-year succession plan.
“I think Des still has a lot to offer and if there’s club’s out there looking for an experienced coach, he’d be high on the list.”
Those comments echoed Phil Gould who also encouraged St George Illawarra to seriously consider hiring Hasler.
“I think the Dragons need someone who has never been a part of the Dragons,” Gould said on 100% Footy.
Tigers announce Doueihi ACL tear | 00:39
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING POINTS: Bellamy’s shake-up unleashes rising star; Titans’ axe playmaker
RESSIES WRAP: Dropped Dragon’s big statement, Rooster’s timely return
‘TAKE THE BALL’: Gutho and Tigers young gun’s fiery post-match exchange
‘GOT HIM FOR PEANUTS’: Legend’s huge $1m call on Panthers’ ‘glue’
“I think they’ve gone down that road too many times. The bloke that has had success there was Wayne Bennett, a senior coach who was set in his ways and went there and showed them how to win.
“I know that Des Hasler knows how to win. I think he would be a good fit for them right at this time. I think they need something different.
“Ryles and Hornby have been part of that establishment before. I don’t think Jason Ryles is going there, just quietly. I think Des Hasler … the game can’t afford not to have coaches like him in the game. And short of going and getting Craig Bellamy, who is the best around, I’d be lining up for something like that.”
The other candidates reportedly set to come into consideration are former NRL coaches John Morris, Michael Maguire, and England boss Shaun Wane.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
