In an emotional farewell, St. George Illawarra Dragons head coach, Anthony Griffin, has paid tribute to his players, staff, and fans after officially stepping down from his position. After a tumultuous few years at the helm, Griffin’s departure marks the end of an era for the club, and his final tribute to the team was both a reflection of his time in charge and a gesture of gratitude to everyone who supported him along the way.
In a press conference held earlier this week, Griffin, who had been in charge of the Dragons since 2021, shared his heartfelt thanks to everyone associated with the club. While the Dragons’ performances on the field have been inconsistent during his tenure, with the team failing to make the finals in each of his seasons, Griffin emphasized the pride he felt in leading such a storied club.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to coach the St. George Illawarra Dragons,” Griffin said. “I’ve loved every minute of it, despite the challenges we’ve faced together. The players, the staff, and especially the fans — they’ve been incredible. The support from the community has been unwavering, and it’s something I’ll always remember. I’ve always believed in the potential of this team, and I’ll continue to do so long after I’ve left.”
Griffin’s tenure at the Dragons was marked by several highs and lows. He was brought in to steady the ship after the departure of former coach Paul McGregor and was tasked with building a more competitive and consistent side. However, the team’s inability to break into the top eight, combined with a lack of direction at times on the field, led to growing frustration among fans and board members. Despite this, Griffin remained steadfast in his belief that the right foundations were being laid for the future.
“Sometimes the results don’t go the way you want, but you have to trust the process,” Griffin explained. “This club has a rich history, and it’s in a better place now than when I first arrived. The young players that we’ve brought through — the likes of Moses Mbye, Zac Lomax, and Tyrell Sloan — have the talent to take the Dragons back to the top, and I have no doubt they’ll achieve great things.”
Griffin’s tenure was also highlighted by his efforts to instill a sense of pride and professionalism within the club, particularly after a period of underachievement. While his coaching style was often described as calm and measured, some critics suggested that his more conservative approach may have limited the team’s attacking potential. Despite the criticism, Griffin remained resolute, often highlighting the importance of discipline and defense in a modern NRL system that can often prioritize flair over fundamentals.
In his final tribute to the team, Griffin acknowledged the effort and resilience of the players under his leadership. He singled out veterans such as Ben Hunt, who has been a key figure for both the Dragons and the Australian team, as well as the younger crop of players who showed promise but were still finding their feet in a highly competitive league.
“Ben Hunt has been an absolute champion for this club, and the young players have a huge future ahead of them,” Griffin said. “I leave with no regrets. I’ve given everything I have, and I know the next coach will build on what we’ve started.”
Looking forward, the Dragons are now on the search for a new head coach to guide them into the future. The club has stated that they are keen on finding a coach who can bring both fresh ideas and a winning mentality to a team that is desperate for success.
Griffin’s legacy at the Dragons, while mixed, will always be remembered for his commitment to the club and the role he played in trying to reshape the team. His final tribute to the players and supporters was a fitting end to what has been a challenging yet rewarding chapter in the history of the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
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