The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has expressed concerns that the speculation over St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin is impacting the dressing room.
The Dragons were thrashed 40-8 against the Cronulla Sharks and allowed 34 unanswered points in the last 50 minutes of the match. Earlier in the week, Griffin was informed by the board that he would have to reapply for his job at the end of the season.
Captain Ben Hunt expressed his disappointment at the board’s decision and Riccio believes it’s a clear sign of division between the front office and playing group.
“It was the first time Ben Hunt had been asked about the decision,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He declared publicly that he wanted Dragons management to hold off as long as possible before making a call on Anthony Griffin.
“The decision by the hierarchy at the Saints is impacting the dressing room.
“Success starts in the front office and when players don’t largely agree with the direction of the club, there’s drama.
“I’ve seen it happen 100 times before.
“Players may believe that they (St George management) are giving up on this season already.”
Hunt is especially close to Griffin as the halfback was coached by Griffin at the Broncos between 2011 and 2014.
SEN’s Greg Alexander said that if the club captain has lost faith in the board, more drama will likely follow.
“When you’ve got the captain coming out and speaking against the management, that’s dangerous ground,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It could sweep through the playing group.
“It could sweep right throughout (the club).”
The Dragons host the injury-depleted Dolphins in Round 5 in Wollongong on April 1.
