St. George Illawarra Dragons CEO Ryan Webb has spoken following a challenging day for the club which included losing their preferred coaching candidate, as well as their major sponsor.
It was announced on Wednesday that the Dragons' top target Jason Ryles was joining the Melbourne Storm in 2024, despite the Wollongong-based club offering the former player a lengthy rookie contract.
Later that day it was revealed that St. George Bank was going to end its long-term sponsorship of the Red V, bringing a four-decade partnership to an end.
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There was a sense of defeat amongst Dragons fans on Wednesday when Ryles rejected the club and the opportunity to be a first-time head coach.
The club's CEO was also discouraged by the decision, with negotiations well on track before the Melbourne decision.
"Disappointed is how we were a little too," Webb told SEN Breakfast with Vossy & Brandy.
"We talked to a number of possible coaches and identified Jason (Ryles) as the main target.
"We kind of got to the pointy end there. We got to a good position regarding terms and numbers and (had) support people around that he felt he needed.
"We were in a good spot for him to strongly consider us.
"I don't know the details on the other side but I assume somewhere late in the piece Melbourne have been able to come in and offer him a role as an apprentice or assistant coach there.
"In the end, it was Jason's decision . it's a big job to coach our club."
Ryles' exact role in Melbourne has not been made clear by the club, although he will work "across a number of different areas" with the Storm.
The move signals a return to Victoria for Ryles, having played for the club between 2012-2013 and being employed as an assistant coach from 2016-2020.
Now, the club's focus shifts to securing a different head coach.
There are a number of potential coaches that the Dragons have been linked with, including Rabbitohs assistant Ben Hornby and former utility Dean Young.
It is unclear what the club's timeline is for hiring a coach, but Ryan Carr will still remain appointed as the interim boss in the meantime.
"After chatting with (Ryles) he seemed confident and more than capable. We just have to move on now and find the next best candidate," Webb said.
"In our eyes, if he has any kind of hesitation, it's better him turning us down than jumping in and finding out in six or 12 months that he doesn't feel like he's up to it.
"The board will now pick up two or three (of our other candidates) and we'll just continue those (discussions) on."
Asked on SEN Breakfast with Vossy & Brandy if the club would consider picking an experienced coach over a rookie, Webb was open to the idea.
The likes of Des Hasler and Shane Flanagan have been floated as potential options that fit that bill.
"It's definitely a consideration - I can't disagree with that," he responded.
"For a rookie coach, it's a big job.
"If you go down that path (of hiring a rookie coach) there is going to need to be other pieces around them if there's any chance for it to work."
To add further salt to the Dragons' wounds, it was revealed that major sponsor St. George Bank would be ending their partnership with the Dragons.
The pair have worked together for over 40 years, with the bank's Dragon emblem even used as a mascot.
Webb was naturally disappointed by the decision, but is confident the club has enough time to secure a new deal.
"It was fairly recently that they let us know. We've got 18 months still with them," he said.
"It's disappointing when a sponsor goes, especially something that long because you build good relationships.
"18 months in the sponsorship world is plenty of time to go out and find a good replacement."