Dragons like look of Hook

ANTHONY Griffin – the former Brisbane and Penrith coach – is close to being named St George Illawarra’s new head coach.

Griffin (pictured) has reportedly become favourite for the top job from next season — provided he impresses at a job interview today.

There is time for a rethink at board level but Griffin appears to have fended off strong challenges from Newcastle assistant David Furner and Dragons interim coach Dean Young.

All three will be interviewed before the Dragons board via Zoom today. It is understood the club will ask Young to remain as an assistant coach with a view to taking over in two to three years.

Should Griffin — nicknamed Hook — be formally announced, Furner would then be expected to accept a key role as Trent Barrett’s assistant at Canterbury.

Griffin is known as a no-nonsense coach who directors believe can give the club a hard edge. Griffin would not comment yesterday.

Furner has considerable support but it appears factions from St George and Illawarra are poised to agree on Griffin.

Former North Queensland, Gold Coast and Canberra coach Neil Henry was another candidate.

Rockhampton-born Griffin coached Brisbane between 2011 and 2014 before taking over at Penrith between 2016 and 2018.

It is unknown exactly when St George Illawarra will announce their coach but directors want the process completed shortly.

The club has placed retention and recruitment for 2021 and beyond on hold until the new coach is revealed.