Dragons Coach Sheds Light on Possible Roster Changes Ahead of Crucial Match
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has hinted that he may implement significant changes for Friday’s must-win game against Manly, as the club faces a pivotal month in its season. The Dragons suffered a 32-0 loss to North Queensland, which has left them with an 0-5 start to the season and a ninth consecutive defeat when including last season’s four losses.
Flanagan acknowledged before the game that he needed to make swift improvements to relieve pressure on both the club and himself. Club sources, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that discussions about Flanagan’s future have been informally raised, though no formal decision or deadline has been set regarding a potential coaching change.
No official talks have occurred between the Dragons’ shareholders, WIN Corporation or St George District RLFC, regarding a possible coaching switch. Additionally, the club has informed player agents that all contract negotiations, including those with co-captain Damien Cook, have been put on hold due to uncertainty around Flanagan’s position and a shifting roster.
Cook’s one-year extension is currently on hold, and further discussions with off-contract players such as Luciano Leilua, Tyrell Sloan, Christian Tuipulotu, and Blake Lawrie have also been paused.
Flanagan signed a two-year contract extension in August that 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 the past ten. Despite this, Flanagan remains confident in his ability to lead the team.
“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 Dragons are set to face a resurgent Manly on Friday, followed by games against traditional rivals South Sydney and the Roosters. A continuation of their losing streak could make Flanagan’s position increasingly untenable.
Flanagan will be without co-captain Clint Gutherson, who is expected to miss the Sea Eagles clash due to a hamstring strain. There is also uncertainty about whether Daniel Atkinson will remain at halfback after a lackluster start to his career at the Red V.
Gutherson will undergo scans for his injury, and it is likely he will miss the upcoming match. Tyrell Sloan is a potential replacement, while Flanagan mentioned awareness of reports linking the club with Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller. However, he is unsure of the current status of these negotiations.
Fuller, 28, is free to leave the Dolphins if he secures a starting spot elsewhere or a more lucrative contract. The father of two is only willing to move if the Dragons offer a deal for 2027, which they have not yet done. The Dolphins have expressed interest in retaining Fuller for 2027, and there have even been discussions about a short-term loan with the Dragons, with Fuller returning to Redcliffe once the Origin series begins.
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 known for his creativity but still on the smaller side, will be fast-tracked to first grade. Flanagan confirmed last week that he does not want to play the local junior before he is ready.
