Panthers admit Gould and Griffin involved in argument
By Sacha Mirzabegian and AAP
an hour ago
Penrith Panthers board member Greg Alexander has confirmed that coach Anthony Griffin and general manager Phil Gould were involved in an argument but denied the club would get rid of Griffin before his contract expires at the foot of the mountains.
Griffin’s position at the Panthers was again questioned ahead of Friday’s clash with the Warriors, after reports this week suggested his role was the subject of a mid-season review. Penrith is adamant that the review was pre-scheduled and took place while players were away for the representative around - a stance Griffin maintained on Thursday.
It’s the second time this year Griffin has faced speculation about his position, despite having re-signed with the Panthers until 2020 last October.
Greg Alexander denied that Griffin’s position at the club was under pressure, although he did admit that things got heated between the club’s GM and head coach. “There’s always chat between people that work with each other. Some want it this way, some want it that way. But it’s been blown way out of proportion. People have disagreements about everything, especially in working relationships,” Alexander told the Nine Network.
The Penrith board member said he didn’t know what was discussed between Gould and Griffin, although he was adamant that Griffin’s position at the club was safe. “I don’t even know what the chat was between Gus and ‘Hook’ but there’s absolutely no chance that Anthony Griffin will be leaving Penrith at least before his current contract expires.”
Penrith stars James Maloney and Nathan Cleary have backed Griffin as coach of the Panthers, saying he knows how to bring the players together.
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