St George Illawarra has announced that assistant coach Ryan Carr will depart the club at the end of the current season to assume a significant role in the Super League. The announcement followed a disheartening 40-0 defeat to the Rabbitohs on Thursday night, though the timing of the reveal was coincidental. This move aligns with the Castleford Tigers appointing the 37-year-old as their head coach.
Dragons head coach Shane Flanagan expressed his support for Carr, reflecting on their two-season collaboration. “I have very much enjoyed working with Ryan. He’s a smart coach and a good person, and he has been an asset for our club. I wish him all the best as he continues his coaching journey,” Flanagan stated.
In his own comments, Carr expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead. He will commence a three-year contract with Castleford in 2026 and is eager to elevate the club’s performance. “It’s an exciting opportunity at a proud historic club,” he remarked, recognising the potential for growth and improvement that lies ahead. Carr aims to restore the club to a place of success, highlighting his commitment to making a difference.
Carr’s journey into coaching began after an early retirement from playing, during which he never reached first grade. He initially focused on coaching at the South Sydney and Cronulla clubs before moving to England, where he served as head coach for Featherstone Rovers in the Championship, guiding them to the finals. Upon returning to Australia, he had stints with the Eels and the Dragons, including a period as interim head coach following the dismissal of Anthony Griffin in 2023.
Carr’s impending move comes amidst significant transitions for the Dragons, including Flanagan’s contract extension for another two seasons, alongside the appointments of Tim Watsford as chief executive and Daniel Anderson as head of recruitment. The club’s chairman, Andrew Lancaster, has also secured a three-year extension, signalling a period of substantial change and future planning.