Anthony Griffin might never threaten Wayne Bennett’s NRL record 21-year coaching stint at Brisbane.
But the laconic 46-year-old made it clear, after the club showed faith in him on Thursday by extending his NRL contract until 2015, winning premierships is his job.
“I’m like everyone else in this game – you want to win a trophy,” Griffin told AAP on Wednesday.
“That’s what you do it (coach) for. If you’re not doing it for that… then you’re not here for the right reason.”
Griffin never doubted he’d served his time and was ready to coach in the big league when handed the job in controversial circumstances in 2010.
In less than two seasons, he’s compiled a strike rate (31-13) that any coach – even Bennett – would love to own.
He doesn’t know when or how many premierships might come his way, or if any will, but he knows the groundwork he and the club have put in place will give them a chance.
“There’s a lot of good coaches who’ve never got one (premiership) but you’ve always got to be trying to get one – that has to be your aspiration,” he said.
“The ultimate goal is to try and get this club back on the podium on grand final day.
“I don’t know when or even if it’s ever going to happen. There’s no guarantees but I know we’re giving ourselves half a chance to get there one day.”
Griffin has already made some tough calls, most recently cutting young gun Dane Gagai free when he and others at the club knew he was a super talent.
His decision to rest his State of Origin stars from games last season was also criticised.
Yet it almost proved a masterstroke with Brisbane falling one game short of the grand final, losing to Manly without Darren Lockyer.
“I never had a second thought about coaching this team. I was confident in myself I could handle that,” Griffin said.
“It was all the other things, the media speculation at the time, the profile of the job and all those external things that I’m still not comfortable with.
“Coaching… I’ve always been confident in myself that I can do that.”
Chairman Paul White confirmed Griffin’s new deal with the club in third place on the NRL ladder and still a chance of winning the minor premiership.
“Anthony has shown he is a very talented coach and man manager at an NRL level and we have been impressed with his contribution – not only to the team as a coach but to the club as a whole,” said White.
“One of his greatest qualities is his ability to distance himself from short-term decision making and put long-term goals of the club at the forefront of his thinking.”
Originally recommended to the club by Bennett, Griffin was not about to suggest he could match the coaching great’s record.
“If I’m here half as long as Wayne Bennett, I’ll be more than happy,” said Griffin.