League: Penrith Panthers sack coach Anthony Griffin four weeks out from finals

The Penrith Panthers have parted ways with head coach Anthony Griffin just four weeks out from the finals. Photo / Getty Images

The Penrith Panthers have given Anthony Griffin his marching orders just four weeks out from the NRL Finals.

NRL.com reported Griffin was told he would not be required at the foot of the mountain past the end of the this season despite being contracted until the end of 2020.

Assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo will take the reigns of the team as the caretaker coach for the remainder of the season.

The news captured plenty of surprise considering the timing of the decision with the fifth-placed Panthers a month away from finals football and only fractionally outside of the top-four.

I’m told senior players have been disgruntled with Griffin for some time. Some players have made it clear they wouldn’t remain at the club if Griffin was coach.

— Matt Logue (@mattlogue7) August 6, 2018

Anthony Griffin gone with immediate effect. Cameron Ciraldo caretaker coach for remainder of the year. Mutual agreement according to club

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) August 6, 2018

Plenty of talk over the past few weeks has encapsulated the club with unrest at Penrith with various coaches including Trent Barrett and John Cartwright linked to the job.

Last week, Panthers general manager Phil Gould lashed out at the speculation surrounding the Panthers coaching job.

Gould said on social media: "If one more journalist suggests Trent Barrett &/or John Cartwright are coming to Panthers next season, I will scream. Read my lips: IT'S NOT HAPPENING. It's never been suggested. It's never been considered. Apologies to fans of both clubs. I don't know who starts this stuff."