Sydney Roosters assistant coach Jason Ryles is as good as signed with the Dragons - and now he's received the blessing of his current boss.
After the Red V sacked head coach Anthony Griffin earlier this week, the 40-year-old was immediately linked with a switch to his former club next season.
Ryles is expected to sign with St George Illawarra on a long-term deal, but will see out the remainder of 2023 with the Tricolours.
But with the two clubs set to square off on Friday night, Trent Robinson has moved to quieten the noise surrounding his right-hand man, while also endorsing him for a head coaching position.
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“It’s been pretty clear that if an assistant wants to go for a job, they can go for a job," he said.
"That’s really clear and we’re supporting Rylesy in doing that. I think that’s all been put on hold this week, that’s as far as I know. I’d say we will find out next week what’s happening.
"He’s decided that he wants to go and pursue that and he’s got our support on that.
"He’s ready, so it’s time for him to go and look at that – but that’s after this week. I’d imagine they’ve put it on hold this week as well."
Ryles is contracted with the Tricolours until the end of next season, and was originally linked to a potential role at the Storm - but after Craig Bellamy revealed he would continue for a 22nd season, it left the Dragons as the only viable option.
Robinson remained coy on the details of the club seeking compensation for Ryles' early exit, but said the club were supportive of his negotiations.
“Yeah, that was the contract and we’ve had discussions around if he is going to go and what that looks like," he said.
"That’s not for us to discuss, I haven’t really even talked to his manager about it either.
"He can go through the process and we are supporting him in going for the job."
Who will coach the Dragons next year?
At this stage, Ryles is the clear front-runner for the top job at Wollongong and the club are expected to announce his signing in the coming weeks.
After a lengthy apprenticeship at the Storm, Roosters and England rugby union, Ryles is seen as the best up-and-coming coach and could be the light at the end of the tunnel for the struggling Saints.
In the interim, assistant coach Ryan Carr will step into the role and he received support from his Round 12 opponent.
“He’s a really good man and he has been coaching for a long time," Robinson said.
"It’s really good for him to get started and look forward to seeing him post-game."
