Cronulla has settled on John Morris as the coaching replacement for Shane Flanagan, but there could be more changes at the top for the embattled club.
There is growing speculation chief executive Barry Russell could soon be parting company with the Sharks after less than a year in the role. The former Rothman's medal winner took over from Lyall Gorman during one of the most difficult times in the Shire outfit's history.
On the way out? Cronulla chief executive Barry Russell.Credit:John Veage
Russell self-reported a potential salary cap anomoly to the NRL, sparking a wider investigation into the club. That probe has claimed premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan, who stepped down after he was caught communicating with staff during his suspension over the supplements scandal.
The Sharks have been experiencing financial difficulties, prompting several staffers to be made redundant prior to Christmas. Their major sponsorship properties remain unsold and Flanagan's replacement, rookie coach Morris, is a relatively inexpensive option.
While conjecture over the CEO role continues, Morris' appointment ends speculation over the coaching scenario after he pipped Cameron Ciraldo and Justin Holbrook to the job. On the same day the NRL confirmed Flanagan had been granted an extra week to respond to his breach notice, Morris emerged as the man to guide the club into a new era.
Morris is expected to be officially unveiled on Friday morning. His appointment caps a rollercoaster off-season of coaching movements, including the South Sydney and Brisbane swap deals with Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold.
Taking charge: John Morris has been given the full-time job as Sharks head coach.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
Cronulla chairman Dino Mezzatesta is understood to have informed Morris' main challenger Ciraldo on Thursday afternoon the club would go with their current caretaker.
The only concern Sharks fans will have is if Morris suffers from the 'Nathan Brown Syndrome', which involved Nathan Brown being appointed to St George Illawarra's top job, just three years after he finished playing with the same players.
Morris retired in 2014, but played with the likes of senior Sharks and good friends Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Matt Prior.
Premiership Cronulla forward Luke Lewis said Morris would have no issues making it clear who was boss.
Lewis, who was one of the first former players to publicly back Morris to succeed Flanagan if he was officially banned by the NRL, was naturally delighted by the news his friend had been granted his head-coaching wish.
"He'll lay down the law, he's not there to be best mates with everyone, he's there to make sure he gets the best out of everyone and they are pulling in the right direction,'' Lewis told The Herald. "The good thing about Johnny is he's professional, he knows how to manage people, there will be a few tough decisions he needs to make, he knows that, but it comes with the territory. I know he's definitely ready for it.
"He's super smart when it comes to coaching and he won't leave any stone unturned. I know all the boys are right behind him as well.
"The hardest part about coaching is getting the locker room on your side, and he's got that. The boys had a great week down at Kiama, and they're all pumped and can't wait to start playing.
"The other thing abut him is he's honest, he'll have the respect of the players, he's played over 300 first-grade games, so he knows what they're going through mentally and physically. He'll get the best out of them. He's the perfect man for the job."
Penrith always remained confident Ciraldo would have baulked at any Cronulla offer and continued his apprenticeship under Ivan Cleary and Phil Gould.
Given there was just over three weeks to the Sharks first trial, the timing also made sense to go with Morris, the least experienced but also cheapest option for the cash-strapped Shire club.
"At the end of 12 months if it all works out, maybe he'll sign a longer term deal and take the club to the places they want to go to," Lewis said. "There are some big goals for this year and he's the man to take the boys there, and he's also got the squad to do it."
Despite the dramas involving the salary-cap investigation, staff cuts, few sponsors and the deregistration of Flanagan, the Sharks continue to prove a force on the field. They lost Valentine Holmes to his NFL dream but gained genuine match-winner Shaun Johnson.
Morris, who has a masters of coaching degree, served as Flanagan's deputy and said just a few weeks ago: "The club know I'm ready to step up if required. I've said to Barry I'll support whatever decision they make … I'm confident if and when required I'm ready to go."
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