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The cards are lining up for Jason Ryles to become Craig Bellamy's eventual successor as NRL coach at Melbourne. Ryles has left his England rugby specialist skills coach job after only six months working under Eddie Jones. The former Storm assistant went to England for a short time after the grand-final victory only to return to Melbourne where he has been working remotely for the past few months.  He has been meeting regularly with Bellamy, who is off contract and considering either staying on as Storm head coach or taking up an over-seeing role with either Melbourne, Brisbane or Cronulla. Ryles is the frontrunner to become Storm head coach should Bellamy decide not to continue in the role. A report was conducted into the England set-up after a severe slump in form in recent months as the Lions finished fifth in the Six Nations. Attack coach Simon Amor and Ryles both departed via what the Rugby Football Union described as mutual consent and Ryles due to pandemic restrictions. Ryles said it was too difficult with his young family. "Due to the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic, the uncertainly around international travel and in the best interests of my young family, I have made the difficult decision to leave my coaching role with England," he said in a statement. "I would like to sincerely thank Eddie Jones and the RFU for the opportunity to be part of the organisation and coaching staff. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as part of the England team and have learnt a lot in a short period of time. "It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work in a world-class program and alongside Eddie and some of the best rugby players in England." Fellow Australian Jones, who has also coached the Wallabies, predicted a bright future for Ryles. "With Jason, the COVID-19 restrictions have proved too difficult for him and his family to overcome, which we fully understand but are disappointed for us and the team. "They both leave with the best wishes of everyone involved with England and for their future pursuits in the game."
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