Anthony Griffin, aged 44 , is the new head coach for the Brisbane Broncos following the shock dismissal of Ivan Henjak on the 21st of Febuary 2011, only three weeks prior to the 2011 NRL season start.
The new head coach is on a one year contract, according to the Courier Mail[1], and it has led to speculations that the board might be looking at former coach Wayne Bennet, who's contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons runs out in 2012.
Anthony Griffin is a fairly unknown coach, when considering the job he's inherited.
Anthony Griffin previous coaching appointments, (aside from his assistant coach position with Brisbane Broncos) include: Redcliffe Colts 95-97, Brisbane Norths Colts 98-00, Melbourne Storm assistant 01-02, Souths Logan Qld Cup 03-04, Redcliffe Qld Cup 05-07 [2]
His coaching achievements are: Broncos NYC Grand Finalists 2008. Redcliffe Qld Cup Premiers 06, Grand finalists 07. Three Qld Colts premierships 97 (Redcliffe) 98 and 00 (Norths). Coached Qld under-17s (1998) and Qld Residents (2007) [2]
And his playing record: Brisbane Brothers 1985-87, Rockhampton Brothers 1988-92 [2]
The cards he has been handed is one not many people would envy him. With such a short period of time to go before the first round kicks off for the Brisbane Broncos with the game against the North Queensland Cowboys on Suncorp Stadium the 11th of March, you have to wonder what is going through his head.
Speculations about the reasons for the change in coaches are numerous, with several fans and members of the media speculating if a falling out between Broncos skipper and club champion Darren Lockyer and Ivan Henjak could have something to do with it.
Incoming chief executive White, however, denies that this is a player-led revolt.
While speculations will continue to run rampant, we will probably never know why the Brisbane Broncos have had such a sudden change of head coach. A confidentiality agreement has been struck between Ivan Henjak and the board regarding the details of what led to his dismissal.
I think most fans can agree on one thing, though. We wish Anthony Griffin the best of luck in his new position for the 2011 season and we hope he will help our talented team to preform to the best of their capacity.
Good luck, Anthony. Let's go Broncos!
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Sources:
[1] http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/henjak-faced-player-revolt/story-e6frep66-1226009713215
[2] http://www.broncos.com.au/default.aspx?s=profile-coach-display&id=1355&team=Broncos
Further information:
http://redcliffe-and-bayside-herald.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/griffin-takes-over-as-broncos-coach/
http://www.broncos.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=33700&title=anthony-griffin-to-replace-ivan-henjak
http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/02/21/the-downfall-of-henjak-and-rise-of-griffin/
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