https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...WCj0gtaspxZ8M8LFebJLepxQ6EOqjQvFytpqP2oCjdZww
The (current) worst kept secret in the NRL is apparently now confirmed with Fox reported Craig is signed. A risk to move to another rookie HC when Bomber has been at least solid, but hopefully a smart move!
It’s official – Craig Fitzgibbon has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Cronulla Sharks and will join the Shire-based club once his commitments with the Sydney Roosters finish this season.
Fitzgibbon, who has been part of the Roosters past three premierships as the club’s assistant coach in 2013, 2018 and 2019, will link with the club where his father Allan coached from 1988 to 1991.
The deal is believed to be worth around the $1.5 million mark over the three season.
The next step for the Sharks will be resolving the immediate future of current head coach John Morris.
Cronulla CEO Dino Mezzatesta is currently in a meeting with Morris to inform the Sharks coach of the development and figure out the plan for the remainder of this season.
The Sharks have held emergency talks with Morris in the last 48 hours as the club attempts to resolve its current position.
Morris is furious at the way he’s been overlooked to continue coaching the side next season despite finishing inside the top eight in 2019 and 2020.
But the decision-makers at Cronulla are adamant they want to turn the club into a top four, genuine premiership-threat on a consistent year-in-year-out basis and as a result have decided to go in a different direction.
There have also been suggestions Morris has sent mixed messages between the NRL playing roster and Cronulla’s Football Committee which is responsible for handling the club’s top 30 NRL roster.
Aside from landing Fitzgibbon’s signature, the Sharks are also heavily in discussions with Penrith Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo to join the club as an assistant coach for next year.
Fitzgibbon won a premiership as a player with the Roosters in 2002 when he also collected the Clive Churchill Medal.
The champion backrower also played 19 Test matches for Australia and 11 State of Origin games for NSW.
During Trent Robinson’s first season as head coach at the Sydney Roosters in 2013, Fitzgibbon was responsible for the club’s famous “Great Wall of Bondi” defence.
The (current) worst kept secret in the NRL is apparently now confirmed with Fox reported Craig is signed. A risk to move to another rookie HC when Bomber has been at least solid, but hopefully a smart move!