A New Beginning for the Dragons
The St George Illawarra Dragons are preparing for a crucial match against the Manly Sea Eagles, and it seems that the team is looking to make some significant changes. Head coach Shane Flanagan is considering recalling his son, Kyle, into the number seven position for this Friday’s clash. This decision comes after Kyle suffered a head injury on the Gold Coast just over a week ago, and he is set to return just in time for the game.
Despite initially being expected to miss more than the mandatory 11-day stand-down period, Kyle has recovered well ahead of schedule. His hospital visit following the injury has been a positive sign, and now he will be tasked with helping the Dragons turn their season around.
Coaching Changes and Player Moves
Flanagan has reportedly run out of patience with Daniel Atkinson after the Dragons delivered an uninspiring attacking performance in their recent match against the North Queensland Cowboys. The team failed to register a shot against the Cowboys at Kogarah, despite the fact that the Townsville-based club were allowing 28 points per game before facing the Red V.
This loss has left the Dragons with a zero and four start, leading to growing calls for Flanagan to be sacked. The playing group was even booed from the field by home fans, highlighting the frustration among supporters.
Flanagan, who struggled at halfback last year, will need to find his feet quickly. It’s likely that Daniel Atkinson will be moved to five-eighth for the game, which means Lyhkan King-Togia will miss out. Meanwhile, Kade Reed will continue to develop his skills in the NSW Cup.
Injuries and Lineup Adjustments
The Dragons are also dealing with injuries, as Clint Gutherson will be out for around three weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the game against the Cowboys. This means that Tyrell Sloan, who has struggled to get game time under Flanagan, is likely to start at the back.
Sloan, although he has had issues with high balls and defense, is an excellent attacker and could provide the Dragons with a much-needed point of difference compared to their previous performances this year.
Other potential changes include rookie winger David Fale facing a suspension, and calls for more minutes and opportunities for players like Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Halangahu in the forwards. Jacob Liddle has only played roughly 20 minutes in each of his games from the bench so far.
Upcoming Match and Opponents
The St George Illawarra Dragons will kick off at 6pm (AEST) on Friday against the Manly Sea Eagles. The Sea Eagles have also had a challenging start to the year, with Anthony Seibold being sacked before they registered their first win last weekend. Under interim coach Kieran Foran, the Sea Eagles scored 52 points in Redcliffe against the Dolphins.
With these developments, both teams are looking to make a strong statement in their upcoming match. The Dragons will be hoping to turn their season around, while the Sea Eagles will be aiming to build on their recent success.
