Dragons Coach Faces Crucial Test as Club Struggles
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has hinted that he will make significant changes for Friday’s crucial match against Manly, as the club faces a critical period both for him and the team. The Dragons suffered a 32-0 defeat to North Queensland, which left them with an 0-5 start to the season and a ninth consecutive loss when including last season’s four losses.
Flanagan had previously acknowledged the need to turn things around quickly to ease pressure on the club and his own position. Club sources, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Flanagan’s future has been informally discussed, although no formal decision has been made regarding a potential coaching change.
The club has also paused all player contract discussions, including those with co-captain Damien Cook, due to uncertainty about Flanagan’s future and the team’s evolving roster. Talks with off-contract players such as Luciano Leilua, Tyrell Sloan, Christian Tuipulotu, and Blake Lawrie have also been put on hold.
Flanagan signed a two-year extension in August, which will keep him at the club until the end of 2028. However, this decision has come under scrutiny, as the Dragons have only won one game out of 10 since then. Despite the challenges, Flanagan remains confident in his ability to lead the team, stating that he is focused on securing a win rather than worrying about his job.
“I’m not worried about me,” Flanagan said. “I’m just getting on with life and chasing a win. I’ve done this 20 years, I know I can get it done, it’s just difficult at the moment. The hard work isn’t translating to the field.”
Flanagan will have to manage without co-captain Clint Gutherson, who is likely to miss the Sea Eagles clash due to a hamstring strain. There is also uncertainty about Daniel Atkinson’s future at halfback after a lackluster start to his career with the Red V.
Gutherson will undergo scans for his injury, and if the results are unfavorable, he may miss the upcoming match. Tyrell Sloan is being considered as a possible replacement, while Flanagan confirmed awareness of reports linking the club with Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller. However, he remains unsure about the status of these negotiations.
Fuller, 28, is eligible to leave the Dolphins if he secures a starting spot elsewhere or a more lucrative contract. He is expecting his third child and is only willing to move if the Dragons offer a deal for 2027, which has not yet been finalized. The Dolphins have expressed interest in retaining Fuller for 2027, and there have been discussions about a short-term loan with the Dragons, allowing him to return to Redcliffe during the Origin series.
Additionally, Dragons winger David Fale was charged by the NRL match review committee for dangerous contact after accidentally kicking Murray Taulagi in the head. He faces a one-match ban. It remains to be seen if Kade Reed, a young playmaker, will be fast-tracked to first grade, as Flanagan has stated he does not want to rush the local junior before he is ready.
