JASON Ryles has earned high praise from Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who was impressed by Ryles' work with Wests in Wollongong. Ryles was contracted to coach Wests this year, but moved to Melbourne after taking the Devils to the 2015 Illawarra Coal League grand final.
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"When we bought him here we knew he was a real good fit for our club because he played here and everyone really liked him as a player and as a person," Bellamy said.
Ryles missed the 2012 premiership win as a player after suffering a hamstring injury.
"It honestly meant a lot in 2012 to win the grand final. It would mean a lot to win this year," Ryles said. "It's an honour and a privilege to be involved in the final game. It's way better than being on a holiday."
Bellamy was quick to lightheartedly point out Ryles other priorities at the NRL club.
"He's always going and getting coffee and he eats a lot of pizza after the game," Bellamy said.