The Panthers have parted company with head coach Anthony Griffin just four weeks out from the NRL Finals.
In an extraordinary move, it’s understood ongoing issues came to a head today when a meeting was held with Griffin and Panthers General Manager, Phil Gould.
The decision to part ways is effective immediately and comes just 24 hours after Penrith’s come-from-behind win over Canberra.
The Panthers say it is a mutual decision but there is no doubt senior officials at the club wanted Griffin out. Griffin would have also received a hefty payout.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher confirmed Griffin’s departure this afternoon.
“There has been much speculation and rumours about the club and head coach Anthony Griffin over the last few weeks,” said Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher.
“After discussions with Anthony Griffin it is time to end that speculation. By mutual agreement, the club and Anthony have agreed to part ways, effective immediately.
“Anthony departs the club after much success, having taken the Panthers to the finals in the last two years and leaves the club on track for another finals appearance in 2018.
“We would like to thank Anthony for his service to Panthers and wish him well for the future.”
Anthony Griffin sacked by @PenrithPanthers as coach, 5th on the ladder, 4 weeks out from finals, and after back to back wins. Surely this has never happened before. #AnthonyGriffin #Panthers
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 6, 2018
It’s been confirmed that Gould will hold a press conference at 8am tomorrow.
He is also scheduled to appear on Channel Nine’s ‘100% Footy’ later tonight.
Griffin was under contract for the 2019 and 2020 NRL seasons but there has been speculation about his future since before this season kicked off.
At this stage there’s been no word on who will replace Griffin for the rest of the season but assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo would be the most likely candidate.
Ciraldo would also head the list of candidates for the job in 2019.
As a @PenrithPanthers supporter my thoughts are with Anthony Griffin and his wife Helen and the family thoroughly decent people and the club is a better place for having had them around!
— Tim Gilbert (@TimgGilbert) August 6, 2018
The Weekender sought comment from Gould earlier today. During a phone conversation just before 2pm, he denied the story put to him about Griffin’s pending departure.
Griffin joined the Panthers in 2016, replacing Ivan Cleary. He had immediate success, taking the side to the 2016 and 2017 Finals, and is on the verge of guiding Penrith to a top four finish in 2018.
Incredibly, this is not the first time Griffin has had a contract terminated after reaching the Finals. At the end of 2014, he was forced to make way for Wayne Bennett’s return despite guiding the Brisbane Broncos to a top eight finish.
Panthers legend Mark Geyer said he was shocked by today’s development.
“I am gobsmacked, I must confess,” he told Triple M.
“You would have to think this was a player movement… I couldn’t see it coming solely from Gus Gould.”
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
