Challenges ahead in 2021 for St George Illawarra
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Out: Jack de Belin remains subject to the NRL's no-fault stand down policy. Picture: John Veage.
Tough year: The Dragons had a difficult 2020 finishing 12th. Picture: John Veage.
In charge: The St George Illawara Dragons new head coach Anthony Griffin at training. Picture: Supplied.
It is looking like it could already be a challenging 2021 season for the St George Illawarra Dragons as the team look to finalise its Top 30 players heading into pre-season.
The club, which has failed to make a finals appearance in four of its past five seasons, will have Anthony Griffin take over as head coach, after signing a two-year deal in September, following the mid-season exit of Paul McGregor.
"There is no doubt that St George Illawarra is one of the biggest and proudest clubs in the game and I am excited to commence my role as coach later in the year," said Griffin in a statement released earlier this year.
"While results may not have gone in the club's favour in recent years, I see many a positive in the playing squad and the current crop of juniors currently coming through the ranks.
"My goal is a simple one, to ensure the Dragons are a club that every member, partner and fan can be proud of moving forward."
The Jack de Belin court matter did not reach a verdict as a result of a hung jury in Wollongong Local Court on Monday, November 30.
Mr de Belin remains subject to the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy.
In a statement released by the St George Illawarra Dragons, the club says that they "will continue to provide the necessary welfare support to de Belin and his family".
"Jack's continued court matter will have no impact on the playing roster - they will carry on with their pre-season training as planned."
St George Illawarra confirmed that winger Jason Saab had been released from his Dragons playing contract.
The club received an undisclosed fee for Saab's release, who is set to join the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on a three-year deal.
Four spots now remain in the Dragons' Top 30 for the 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership season.
"A big focus for the Dragons on the recruitment and retention front is that our players, whether they're already here or are signed by the club, are 100 per cent committed to representing this proud organisation," general manager of football, Ben Haran said.
"We don't want to retain or sign players for the sake of it.
"We want to ensure that each player who walks through our gates every day is the right fit for the Dragons, especially during a period where so much change is afoot."
https://www.theleader.com.au/story/7038043/challenges-ahead-in-2021-for-st-george-illawarra/
