Jason Ryles has signed on as a coach at the Melbourne Storm, bringing an end to reports of him becoming the St. George Illawarra Dragons' next head coach.
His exact role has not been made clear by the club, although he will work "across a number of different areas" with the Storm.
The move signals a return to Melbourne for Ryles, having played for the club between 2012-2013 and being employed as an assistant coach from 2016-2020.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason and his family back to the Melbourne Storm,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.
“Jason is a highly respected person in the game, he’s a talented coach and he will strengthen our football program across a number of different areas.
“Not only will Jason add further depth to our coaching ranks, but he will play an important role working with our pathways, academies, and junior representative programs in the coming years.
“He is a popular figure around our club with coaches, players, staff and our supporters and we can’t wait to see him back at AAMI Park."
Ryles is currently an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters, a post he will leave at the conclusion of the current season.
MORE: Who will be the next St George Illawarra coach?
Will Jason Ryles become the Storm head coach?
Melbourne's current head coach Craig Bellamy has opted to continue in his role for 2024, so Ryles will definitely not assume the top gig next season.
If Bellamy does transition out of coaching the next year however, there is a strong chance that Ryles would take over.
In a statement, the 44-year-old expressed his excitement about being able to return to the club with which he previously played and coached.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I am very comfortable knowing I am returning to Storm and can’t wait to get back the club,” Ryles said.
“This was a decision I made with my family, and I know it will be best for my coaching growth and development. I have an enormous amount of respect for the club and couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to work with Craig, Frank and the football department when it was presented.
“The opportunity to be involved with the senior coaching and playing group as well as playing a role in the future of the club through the pathways and junior reps program is very exciting.
“The Roosters have been a wonderful club to work at and I am grateful to them for the opportunity they have provided me over the last couple of seasons."
Why did Jason Ryles decline Dragons job?
It is not entirely clear why Ryles rejected the opportunity to coach at the Dragons, particularly considering the attractive four-year contract in his hometown.
WWOS have reported that the Roosters assistant coach wanted to be able to oversee all aspects of football operations, which the club refused.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb confirmed Ryles' decision to decline the role on Wednesday morning.
"Jason notified us this morning that he no longer wanted to be considered for the role," Webb told the Daily Telegraph.
"It wasn't the right time for him.
"We appreciate him being honest and rather find out now than in six months' time that he didn't feel comfortable.
"We will continue on our process with the other candidates and hopefully bring it to a head shortly."
